Four Repeat Offenders Arrested for Illegal Wild Boar Hunting in Nuapada; Forest Department Intensifies Crackdown

Komna: July 13: In a major breakthrough against wildlife crime, the Komna Forest Division of Nuapada district has arrested four alleged poachers for illegally hunting a wild boar using live electric wires. The operation highlights the Forest Department’s continued efforts to curb poaching and protect wildlife in the region. Acting on reliable intelligence, a special team of the Komna Forest Division conducted a surprise raid at Bhalukona village. During the operation, the accused were allegedly found inside a paddy threshing yard cutting wild boar meat and preparing it for sale. Forest officials apprehended them on the spot and seized approximately 2.2 kilograms of wild boar meat from the site. The arrested persons have been identified as Madhab Majhi, Somnath Sahu, Dilip Majhi, and Bhuban Majhi. According to the preliminary investigation, the accused had laid live electric wires inside the forest to trap and kill wild boars—an illegal practice that poses a serious threat not only to wildlife but also to humans and domestic animals entering the area. Forest officials revealed that the four accused are repeat offenders. They had reportedly been arrested around six months ago in connection with a similar wildlife hunting case. After securing bail, they are alleged to have resumed the same illegal activities, prompting the department to treat the latest offence with greater seriousness. Officials stated that poaching of wild animals is a grave offence under wildlife protection laws and poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological balance. They further informed that surveillance and patrolling across forest areas will be intensified to prevent such incidents and ensure strict enforcement against wildlife crimes. The Forest Department’s prompt action has been widely appreciated by local residents, who have urged the authorities to continue taking stringent measures against illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking to safeguard the region’s rich natural heritage.