On May 23, three individuals were arrested by the forest department and police on suspicion of their participation in rhinoceros poaching within Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
Acting on a tip-off, authorities conducted a joint operation in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, as per an official statement. The collaborative effort had been ongoing since May 21, according to a park representative.
Amar Choudhury, also known as Harilal Choudhury, was intercepted on May 21 in Jugal Ati village while traveling towards Bokakhat town.
Subsequent interrogation uncovered plans for a meeting to exchange a rhino horn at Palashguri village in Golaghat district. Consequently, officials conducted a joint operation in the village, resulting in the arrest of Gunakanta Doley, allegedly involved in the illicit rhino horn trade, on May 22.
Authorities investigated and searched Choudhury’s residence, where they discovered six rounds of .303 live ammunition hidden in a bamboo tree in his backyard. Choudhury implicated Achinta Morang, also known as Empe Morang, as the mastermind of the group engaged in illegal rhino horn trafficking.
Morang, apprehended from Kareng Chapori in Jorhat district on May 23, confessed to possessing a .303 rifle and three rounds of ammunition intended for rhino hunting in Majuli, according to the official.
The accused individuals have been charged under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Wildlife (Protection) (Assam Amendment) Act, 2009.
