Guwahati, 27 June (HS): The Assam Forest Department has arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the hunting of the rare and protected hornbill last night, marking a major success in its ongoing drive against wildlife crimes.
According to official information by Assam Forest Minister Jayant Mallabarua, the accused were apprehended during an operation conducted in an area under the Margherita East Range of the Digboi Forest Division. Acting on specific intelligence, forest officials tracked down the suspected poachers, who had allegedly been targeting the protected bird for a considerable period.
Minister Jayanta Mallabarua announced the success of the operation through a social media post. He congratulated the Digboi Forest Division for its prompt action and reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance policy against wildlife crimes and all attempts to destroy Assam's rich biodiversity.
The Forest Department has registered a case against the three accused under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. Investigation is underway to determine whether the arrested persons have links with any interstate wildlife trafficking network.------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
