Assam: Man Detained for Killing a Rhino in Kaziranga National Park

KAZIRANGA: A man has been taken into custody on Friday in Assam for allegedly attacking a rhino, which led to the animal's demise.

According to Sonali Ghosh, the director of Kaziranga National Park, the female one-horned rhino in question perished in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve following an attack by one Naren Saikia with a spear.

Although injured, the rhino managed to run away into the forest. Drones were later used by officials in an attempt to locate it. "We could not trace the injured rhino until Thursday evening when its carcass was found at a place," Sonali Ghosh stated.

The rhino was attacked on November 24 and later Saikia was taken into custody by the Forest Department. Ghosh also stated: "We initially arrested the accused for attacking the animal but after recovering the carcass, the charges changed." Some people gathered at the location at approximately 8.30 p.m., upon hearing the rhino's screams.

Sections 2 and 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act are now being used to charge Naren Saikia.

"Saikia fled when he saw the villagers, but people nearby knew who he was. Based on the information we received from the locals, we were able to apprehend him," Sonali Ghosh informed. She said that despite Naren's admission of guilt, he has not disclosed the motive for the attack.

"He admits to attacking the wild animal with a spear, but it's not obvious if he wanted to use the horn for trade. Since it may be connected to eating meat, we cannot classify it as poaching," Ghosh continued.

She also informed that the person had attempted to kill the animal, but the exact reasons have not been known and that the perpetrator will be prosecuted as per law. Rhino poaching has decreased in Assam in recent years, and there was none in Kaziranga National Park last year.

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