Assam: Poacher killed in encounter with forest guards in Orang National Park

A dramatic encounter unfolded in Orang National Park when forest guards clashed with a group of poachers at midnight, resulting in the death of one of the suspects. The incident occurred just a day after the park reopened to tourists on October 6.

The forest guards were on night patrol near the Rangamati forest camp at around 12:30 am when they spotted suspicious movements and lights. As they approached the group, the poachers opened fire, prompting the guards to retaliate in self-defense. In the resulting shootout, one poacher was killed, while the others fled the scene.

The deceased poacher has been identified as Khalilur Rahman from Dalgaon’s Thalthali Nepali village. Authorities recovered several items from the deceased, including food packets, a mobile phone, a torch, six bullets, and axes.

Further investigation revealed that Khalilur Rahman had a history of poaching-related offenses and had previously been jailed. The park authorities are now working to identify the other poachers involved in the incident.

None of the forest guards were injured in the encounter. The body of the deceased was handed over to the authorities and sent to Mangaldoi Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination, in the presence of senior officials from the Orang National Park and the police.

The park authorities have assured that further action will be taken to apprehend the other suspects involved in the incident.