Odisha man arrested for setting 16 animal-hunting explosive traps

In a crackdown in Angul district on Sunday, forest officials arrested a man who had set up 16 explosive devices for hunting in the protected forests near Chhendipada. Identity of the arrested hunter has not been ascertained yet.

Also Read: AI cameras help arrest 2 poachers in Odisha forest; firearms seized

The raid was conducted after Angul forest personnel received information that five hunters were planning to trap animals using explosives inside Durgapur reserved forest.

During the surprise raid, the forest team spotted five hunters. While four of them managed to escape, one individual was apprehended on the spot along with the explosives.

Authorities confirmed that such explosive-based hunting poses a serious threat to wildlife and forest safety.
Officials stated that strict action will be taken against those caught attempting to hunt using illegal devices. The arrested person has been handed over to the police authorities for further investigation.

The forest department emphasised vigilance in the region to prevent such incidents and protect the biodiversity of the protected forests.

However, no comments were received from the raid team in this regard.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident and in a major success for technology-assisted wildlife protection, AI cameras installed in the Kuldiha forest of Balasore district had helped authorities nab two poachers in the act on December 8 last year.

The accused had been attempting to hunt in the forest and hide their firearms nearby when the camera captured their activities.

Balasore Forest Department had tracked the AI-recorded footage and arrested the duo. During the operation, authorities had seized a firearm, a bow and arrow, and several traps used for hunting.

Arrested poachers had been identified as the residents of Jodachua Beat area in the district, Kuldiha forest ranger Subrat Behera had informed. This incident highlights the growing role of AI and technology in curbing illegal hunting and protecting wildlife in Odisha.

“The newly joined DFO is quite active and protection-minded. Under his supervision, we installed AI cameras in the forest last night. Based on the video footage, we arrested two accused persons today. Their photos helped us to nab them,” the ranger had said.