In a significant breakthrough, forest officials in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district have arrested four more individuals in connection with the poaching of a melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger from the Similipal Tiger Reserve. This comes days after two suspects were apprehended with the animal's claws and teeth in their possession.
The arrests were made following critical information obtained during the interrogation of the two previously detained poachers. According to official sources, the duo admitted to hunting the rare big cat and provided details about their accomplices. Acting on this intelligence, a special enforcement team from Similipal South staged a covert operation on January 12. The team apprehended the four individuals while they were allegedly attempting to sell the tiger&rsquo;s skin.
The arrested individuals hail from the villages of Beniadhar and Juguni Khunta, located in the Dukura wildlife division. They were captured in separate raids conducted in Tentula and Balighat villages under the Udala police jurisdiction. The suspects have since been presented before the court.
Authorities have intensified their efforts to track down additional individuals implicated in this crime, as the investigation continues to unfold.
The seizure of the melanistic tiger&rsquo;s skin and the arrests have spotlighted serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures within the Similipal Tiger Reserve. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced protections for one of India&rsquo;s most iconic and endangered species.
There are only 13 Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger in Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.

Odisha forest department arrested four poachers with tiger skin

Similipal forest officials arrest four more, intensify efforts to protect the endangered species

Crackdown on Poaching: Royal Bengal Tiger Skin Seized

Similipal forest officials arrest four more, intensify efforts to protect the endangered species

January 16, 2025 | 14:58 IST