Guwahati; Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam: A night of intense gunfire within the sprawling expanse of Kaziranga saw one armed poacher neutralised and a significant cache of weaponry seized after a daring attack on forest personnel. Park officials confirmed on Thursday that a fierce confrontation erupted late Wednesday, highlighting the escalating threats faced by conservationists guarding Assam’s precious wildlife.
The perilous incident unfurled around 8 PM on May 28, when intelligence reached the Range Officer for Eastern Range (Agaratoli) about an armed assault on frontline staff at Balidubi Camp. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, revealed the immediate response, stating, “All forest camps were instantly placed on high alert, and additional security teams were promptly deployed to the area.”
A joint operation, meticulously coordinated between the forest department and local police, commenced as teams pursued the armed group through the dense terrain. The pursuit culminated in a harrowing firefight around 10:30 PM in the Dhanbari area. “The team issued a warning, instructing the suspects to stop and identify themselves. In response, the armed poachers opened fire on the security personnel,” Ghosh elaborated, detailing the rapid escalation.
The ensuing gun battle lasted approximately 30 minutes, with security personnel “exercising utmost restraint” and returning “controlled fire in self-defence,” as per Ghosh. Once the area was secured, authorities discovered an unidentified individual, severely injured, clutching an AK-56 rifle loaded with 11 live rounds. A .303 rifle with three rounds was also recovered, alongside a bag containing an axe, food supplies, and a torch – tell-tale signs of a prolonged operation.
The injured poacher was immediately rushed to Swahid Kamala Miri Civil Hospital in Bokakhat but was tragically declared brought dead upon arrival by medical officers. “A comprehensive search operation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the incident. The Forest Department and Police remain committed to ensuring the safety of Kaziranga National Park and its personnel,” Ghosh affirmed, underscoring the ongoing vigilance.
This incident marks the second fatal encounter within a mere week, following the death of another armed poacher on May 21 in the Duramari area, where security forces had similarly recovered a .303 rifle, a handbag, and an axe. The back-to-back confrontations underscore the relentless battle being waged by conservation forces against organised poaching syndicates attempting to breach the sanctity of Kaziranga.
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