Two poachers have been arrested in Odisha's Gahirmatha forest after being caught with nine kg of venison, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.
Two persons were arrested on Saturday after nine kg of venison was allegedly seized from their possession in the Gahirmatha forest range in Odisha's Kendrapara district, officials said.
Acting on a tip-off, the suspected poachers were apprehended in the Sasanpeta forest area and seized the deer meat and nylon nets used in ensnaring wild animals, a forest official said.
Another forest official suspected that the two had laid a trap to ensnare deer or wild boar.
"It seems that the accused persons killed a spotted deer in the forest area. They were booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972," he added.