Tense Standoff in Kaziranga: Forest Guards Foil Poaching Attempt

A suspected poacher was killed in Kaziranga National Park during a gunfight with forest guards. The incident occurred after all anti-poaching camps were alerted based on intelligence. While one poacher was found, others escaped. A rifle and handbag were recovered, and authorities are pursuing the accomplices.

An early morning operation to thwart poachers in Assam's Kaziranga National Park resulted in the fatal shooting of a suspected poacher during a gunfight with forest guards, officials disclosed on Wednesday.

Acting on intelligence of armed poachers within the park, authorities had mobilized anti-poaching units to scrutinize and barricade potential escape paths. Shortly before 3:00 a.m., a river patrol team from the Burapahar Range detected a mysterious light and movement in Maite Tapu, indicating the presence of armed individuals.

According to the official report, the forest team challenged the suspects to surrender, but the poachers instead launched an aggressive attack, prompting a retaliatory self-defense measure from the guards. As additional forces combed the area, they discovered the body of one poacher along with a .303 rifle and a handbag. Efforts continue to capture the fleeing accomplices.