Three Poachers Arrested with Firearms in Similipal Sanctuary, Caught by AI Cameras

Baripada: In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, forest officials have arrested three habitual poachers inside the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The arrests were made after AI-powered Trailguard cameras captured suspicious movements in the core forest areas.

The accused — Lachhu Murmu (48), Madhusudan Murmu alias Rabi (38), and Ghasiram Tudu alias Basu (35), all residents of Mayurbhanj — were apprehended during a strategic operation by forest personnel. Authorities recovered three Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) guns and 17 cartridges, including five live rounds, from their possession.

According to officials, the trio had been using advanced firearms for poaching, moving away from the traditional country-made weapons typically used in such activities. Forest officials confirmed that all three are repeat offenders with prior involvement in wildlife-related crimes.

Following their arrest, the accused were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Baripada. Their bail applications were denied, and they were remanded to judicial custody.

A case has been registered against them under relevant sections of the Arms Act, 1959. Authorities have launched a deeper investigation to determine their links to other poaching incidents and uncover any potential connections to a larger wildlife trafficking network operating in the region.

Forest officials have lauded the role of AI-based surveillance in enhancing patrolling efficiency and wildlife protection efforts in Similipal, a critical biodiversity hotspot in eastern India.