A total of 71 illegal arms were seized from an adjoining area of the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha during intelligence-based search operations, a top police official said.
“Between August and October, intelligence-based search operations were conducted and during these raids, a total of 71 illegal arms, including 70 SBML, 1 pistol, and a pair of deer horns, were seized. In connection with the above seizures, 32 cognisable cases were registered under different police stations and 21 people were arrested,” said B Gangadhar, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
“In continuation of the crackdown on illegal weapons in the adjoining areas of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj Police launched special operations under all 14 police stations with a history of the presence of poachers in different villages,” the official said.
He said that during the special drive conducted from June to July, a total of 165 illegal arms were seized, and 48 cases were registered.
“With the present seizure, the total illegal arms seized remained at 236, and the total cases stood at 80,” the official added.
(with inputs from ANI)
