Poacher Apprehended After Police Encounter in Pilibhit Forest
A 28-year-old poacher was arrested after a police encounter in a forest area near the Sharda river’s Hardoi feeder canal in Pilibhit on Tuesday night. The incident occurred following a tip-off about the presence of the accused and his accomplices in the Barahi forest range.
Details of the Encounter and Recovery
The police team, led by SHO Ashok Pal from Madhotanda, cordoned off the area upon receiving information. During the operation, the poachers opened fire, prompting retaliatory action from the police. In the exchange, the accused, identified as Harjinder Singh from Raghavpuri village near the Indo-Nepal border, sustained a bullet injury below the knee and was subsequently arrested. His accomplices managed to escape the scene.
Authorities recovered a country-made .315 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and a spent shell from Singh. He was later sent to jail after being charged under the Wildlife Protection Act for allegedly killing a sub-adult wild boar in the Barahi forest range on April 15. Additionally, a fresh FIR has been registered under BNS sections 121(2) and 109, along with the Arms Act 3/25.
Background and Police Statements
SP Sukirti Madhav stated that the encounter was a direct result of proactive policing based on intelligence inputs. SHO Ashok Pal emphasized the seriousness of the charges, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crimes in the region. Singh’s arrest marks a significant step in curbing poaching activities in the Pilibhit forest area, which is known for its rich biodiversity.
The police are continuing their search for the escaped accomplices and have intensified patrols in the forest ranges to prevent further illegal activities. This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance in sensitive border areas.
