Poachers Strike Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Flee with Rifle

In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), poachers killed two chitals and stole a rifle from a forest guard. The incident took place on the night of Friday and Saturday. Investigations are ongoing, with police and the Forest Department working together to apprehend the culprits.

In a startling incident, poachers have killed two chitals in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and absconded with a rifle belonging to a forest guard, police reported on Saturday.

The tragic occurrence took place on the night of Friday and Saturday. Upon receiving intimation from the Forest Department, PTR Deputy Director Manish Singh promptly informed Superintendent of Police (SP) Avinash Pandey about the situation, according to officials.

SP Pandey addressed the media, stating that the poachers, who were riding motorcycles, killed the chitals in the Mal Range of PTR. A Forest Department team, alerted by gunshots, discovered individuals on two motorcycles parked by the roadside. When the team approached, the suspects fled, Pandey added. The team also recovered chital meat from the area. Deputy Director Singh disclosed that a poacher had stolen a forest guard's rifle while perched in a tree. Law enforcement is currently collaborating with Forest Department teams to comb the jungle and locate the perpetrators.

(With inputs from agencies.)