Forest officials under the Belghar forest range of Baliguda forest division in Kandhamal district have arrested three persons for allegedly attempting to hunt wildlife by laying live electric wires in the Dharanimaska forest.
According to forest department officials, the poachers were intercepted during early-morning patrols.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mansai Bacha (66) and Makar Suna (31) of Malimunda village, and Gangadhar Bagh (32) of Dakapotha village, both under Ambadala police station limits in Rayagada district.
During the operation, forest staff recovered a carcass of an Indian Mouse Deer along with 215 metres of GI wire, a bamboo pole, 13 bamboo pegs, and two head torches from the spot.
A case has been registered under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (OR Case No. 32/2026-27).
The raid and arrest operation were executed by Belghar Section Forester Rajeshwar Badamajhi, Ghuma Section Forester Deepak Pradhan, Forest Guard Ajit Digal, Dhudsi Forest Guard Sandeep Dash, along with members of the Forest Protection Force.
