Odisha: Another Poacher Arrested For Setting Forest On Blaze In Baripada

Baripada: While Odisha is toiling hard to contain the forest fire that broke out across the State, another poacher was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly setting fire in Gudidiha forest under Dudhiali range in Mayurbhanj district. The accused has been identified as Salu Tiu of Khadakuda village.

Acting on a tip off, forest department staff raided the some locations inside the range and located Tiu setting the jungle on fire to hunt wild animals.

During the course of interrogation, Tiu revealed that he was setting the forest on fire to poach rabbit, sources in Forest department said adding that the accused will be forwarded to court today. The officials also seized 22 traps for his possession.

"The staff of our zone have been divided into number of teams and they keeping a strong vigil on the fire. We are taking all necessary measures to contain the flames and restrict poachers from setting forests on blaze," said Saroj Kumar Panda, ranger of Dudhiani forest range.

Earlier yesterday, a poacher was arrested by Forest department officials for poaching and setting Badampahar forest in the district on fire.

Similarly, the forest authority of Sambalpur division on Monday had warned of stringent legal action against those found intentionally setting forest on fire.

DFO Sanjeet Kumar informed OTV that people found alight forest areas would be put behind bars without any delay. This apart, the official has also asked people to inform about such wrongdoers without any fear.

The forest division administration has also created a provision of cash award of Rs 5000 for anyone who informs about people deliberating setting fire in forest areas.

Last Friday, three poachers were  arrested for setting Jharabeda reserved forest (under Bimala forest beat) of Telkoi forest range in Keonjhar district on fire.

The accused were identified as Jugal Juanga, Gobardhhan Juanga and Raju Juanga of Namkani village.