The Debagada Forest Division launched a targeted raid on Tuesday afternoon in Srinivaspur village under the Suguda beat of the Debagada forest range, resulting in the arrest of four individuals.
Acting on a credible tip-off regarding the illegal hunting of a wild boar for its meat, forest officials swiftly mobilised to the village. The surprise operation yielded crucial evidence, including the physical remains of the poached wild boar, a country-made gun, electrical and GI wires used for trapping, an axe, and a pickup vehicle allegedly used to transport the contraband.
The accused have been identified as Bideshi Thappa (57) of Suguda village under Debagada police station, Belasen Sahu (22) of Gunduriposhi Colony Sahi, Manoj Meher (37) of Chakuli village under Dhama police station in Sambalpur district, and Tuna Dehuri (20) of Srinivaspur village.
All four suspects were taken into custody and face stringent charges under wildlife protection laws. Forest authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying surveillance and patrols to curb illegal poaching activities across the region.
