Forest guards apprehended two poachers on Tuesday morning while they were attempting to hunt deer in the Kochikhali Wildlife Sanctuary within the eastern Sundarbans. A third suspect managed to flee by boat. A large quantity of nylon-made deer traps, known locally as mala fads, was recovered during the operation.
According to forest department sources, the operation was led by Mizanur Rahman, the officer-in-charge of the Kochikhali sanctuary. While patrolling on foot in the Dimer Char area, forest guards spotted three individuals laying in wait with traps set for deer. Upon being chased, two were captured, while one escaped using a nearby trawler.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Alamin Gazi (40), son of Sobhan Gazi of Khajurtala, Barguna Sadar, and Shahin Gazi (30), son of the late Jabbar Gazi of Lakurtala, Patharghata. The fugitive, known as Aziz alias “Pillar Aziz” (38), is from the Ferry Ghat area in Barguna.
Sharankhola Range ACF Rana Dev confirmed that a case under forest law has been filed against the culprits. The two detained individuals were presented in court on Tuesday afternoon.
