BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Special Tiger Strike Force (MPSTSF) has arrested one of the country's most wanted tiger poachers, who is linked to the killing of more than 24 tigers and an interstate wildlife trafficking network with international connections, officers said on Monday.
Arrest Details
Officers arrested the accused, Battu alias Poonamlal, a resident of Katni district, on Saturday near NH-43 in Anuppur district. He had been on the run for over a year. According to officials, he is part of an organized poaching and trafficking syndicate operating across several states, including forest regions in western and southern India.
Role in Poaching and Trafficking
Officers suspect his involvement in poaching activities in Balaghat and in the trafficking of tiger skins and bones. The wildlife contraband was likely routed through Assam and Mizoram before being smuggled to markets in Myanmar, they said.
Poonamlal has been remanded to the custody of MPSTSF for seven days for further investigation.
