In a pre-dawn operation on Saturday, forest guards at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Tiger Reserve engaged in a firefight with suspected rhino poachers, resulting in the death of one individual, officials reported.
The exchange of fire occurred after forest guards received intelligence indicating a potential poaching attempt in the park. Armed and prepared, the guards, accompanied by police and security forces, maintained vigilance in areas prone to poaching activities.
According to officials, the suspected poachers, believed to have entered the park on Thursday via the Brahmaputra River, were detected by forest guards during the night. Upon confrontation, the poachers initiated gunfire, prompting a response from the guards. Amidst the chaos, the poachers managed to escape, leaving behind an injured companion.
Subsequently, the forest guards apprehended the injured individual and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, medical personnel declared him deceased upon arrival. Although the deceased’s identity remains undisclosed, officials noted that he did not appear to be a local resident, hinting at the possibility of him hailing from a neighboring state.
The recovery of a cache of firearms, including rifles and ammunition, alongside other weapons, indicates the seriousness of the poachers’ intentions and suggests a coordinated effort for a large-scale poaching operation within the park.
Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity, has been a frequent target for poachers in the past. However, concerted efforts by authorities have led to a reduction in poaching incidents in recent years, with 2022 marking a notable achievement of zero poaching incidents recorded in the park.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists and wildlife authorities in safeguarding vulnerable species from illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and robust enforcement measures to protect wildlife habitats and preserve biodiversity.
