Forest officials in Nilgiri, Balasore, arrested four poachers from Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday and produced them before the court.
The operation led to the recovery of weapons, six wild birds, two torchlights, and mobile phones used for hunting.
According to Kuldiha Range Officer Subrata Behera, the arrested individuals—Mayadhar Singh, Budhia Singh, Sohan Singh, and Manguli Singh—belong to Kandagaradi village under Nilgiri police limits. The forest department received information that the group had entered the sanctuary with the intent to hunt birds. Acting swiftly, officials launched a raid and apprehended the suspects inside the forest.
Authorities registered Case No. 01 of 2026‑27 against the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized weapons included locally made firearms and sharp tools used for trapping birds. Officials said the poachers had been operating in the area for several weeks before being caught.
Forest personnel emphasised that the department will intensify patrolling across vulnerable zones of Kuldiha Sanctuary to curb illegal hunting. They also urged local residents to report suspicious activities to protect wildlife.
The arrested men were presented before the Nilgiri court after completion of the preliminary investigation. Officials confirmed that the birds recovered from the poachers will be handed over to the forest veterinary unit for care.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, has faced repeated threats from poaching. The latest arrests highlight the department’s commitment to preserving the region’s ecological balance and enforcing wildlife protection laws.
