Assam: STF Shoots Rhino Poacher Attempting Escape

GUWAHATI: In a joint operation conducted by the Chirang Forest Department and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau at the India-Bhutan border in Assam's Chirang district, the Special Task Force (STF) resorted to firing after a captured rhino poacher attempted to escape. The incident occurred during a raid aimed at apprehending other suspects involved in rhino poaching. The attempt resulted in the unfortunate death of the poacher identified as Nareswar Basumatary.

The operation had initially led to the arrest of three rhino poachers - Nareswar Basumatary, Biran Narzary, and Bahadur Magar - on a Saturday. The trio was taken into custody after their confession to poaching two rhinos in the Manas National Park. The authorities confiscated handmade guns, gunpowder, bullets, and rhino remains from the arrested individuals.

Following the arrests, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) and STF chief, Partha Sarathi Mahanta, to ensure the safety of rhinos and enhance security measures in the district ahead of Independence Day.

Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the DIG and Head of STF, arrived in Kajalgaon, Chirang, to assess security measures and prevent further harm to the one-horned rhinos. The STF team, accompanied by the arrestees, launched a mission to capture additional suspects involved in rhino poaching along the Indo-Bhutan border.

During the operation, one of the poachers, Nareswar Basumatary, attempted to escape by attacking the STF team, leading to a retaliatory response in the form of gunfire. Tragically, Nareswar Basumatary succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. Additionally, a police officer sustained injuries during the altercation.

While reports have circulated regarding Nareswar's involvement in the killing of numerous wildlife animals, including rhinos, the police department has yet to officially confirm his death.

In a related development, Director General of Assam Police (DGP) GP Singh shared an image of a one-horned rhino on social media with a reassuring caption, emphasizing Assam Police's commitment to wildlife protection.

In summary, an STF operation targeting rhino poachers in Assam turned tragic as one poacher was fatally shot while attempting to flee from custody. The joint operation aimed at curbing rhino poaching resulted in further confrontation and underscores the challenges of protecting these endangered species.

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