The forest department in Kolhapur has arrested a man for allegedly trespassing into the core area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in the Amba forest range with a firearm and other hunting equipment, officials confirmed on Monday.
Details of the Incident
A 12-bore gun, live cartridges, a head torch, and other materials were seized from the suspect's possession. The accused, identified as Anil Jadhav, a resident of Nerlekarwadi in Shahuwadi tehsil of Kolhapur district, was apprehended during a night patrol based on a tip-off.
Official Statement
“Based on confidential information received by the forest department, while patrolling at night in Survey 1029 at Kerle in the Amba forest area, a person was found roaming suspiciously with a torch on his head and a gun in his hand. He was immediately detained and then arrested. A case has been registered against the man,” said Pradeep Kokitkar, the Amba range forest officer.
Kokitkar added that after a medical examination, the accused was produced before a court and forest custody was sought until Monday, May 18.
Operation Details
The operation was carried out under the guidance of field director Tushar Chavan, deputy director Snehlata Patil, assistant conservator of forest Sandesh Patil, and range forest officer Pradeep Kokitkar, along with forest guards Suresh Charaple, Rahul Patil, Manisha Desai, and Anjali Navale.
The forest department continues to remain vigilant to prevent any poaching or illegal activities in the reserve. Further investigation is underway.
