Rifles ring poach alarm

TT, Alipurduar: Seven improvised rifles were seized by forest officials from Jaldapara National Park while chasing a group of suspected poachers on Friday evening.

The foresters, however, could not nab any of the gang members.

"The seizure indicates rise in poaching activities in Jaldapara. We have increased vigil and informed our superiors," said a forester.

Forest sources said around 7pm on Friday, a team led by Dhiraj Kami, range officer of Lankapara Range, were patrolling in Jaldapara. "Kami received information that a gang of poachers have entered the park area with firearms. He rushed to the spot with the team and could spot the group. As they gave them a chase, the suspected poachers fled, leaving seven rifles. It was a gang of 10 to 12 people," said a forest source.

On February 5, a rhino was poached at the park and the horn was sawed away.

Forest officials started a probe and could arrest some people, along with a shooter from Arunachal Pradesh. The horn was also recovered.