The Forest Department achieved a major breakthrough in Sambalpur district by arresting seven individuals with two country-made guns during a raid in the Badrama Wildlife Division under Bamra Forest Range.
Acting on intelligence about illegal hunting activity, officials launched a coordinated operation across multiple locations under the Udusung section.
Led by Range Officer Giridhari Pradhan, the forest team conducted raids at more than ten sites. Officers seized two country-made firearms and detained seven suspects who were allegedly planning to hunt wild animals inside the Badrama sanctuary.
Forest officials said the accused had been preparing for poaching using locally made weapons. The department registered a case and began a detailed interrogation to identify others involved in the network.
The operation marks a significant success for the Forest Department’s ongoing anti-poaching drive in western Odisha. Officials confirmed that the seized weapons will undergo forensic examination to trace their origin.
