9 Arrested, Including Deputy Ranger, in Tiger and Leopard Poaching Case

Raipur, March 2026: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Forest Department in Chhattisgarh has arrested nine accused, including a deputy ranger, for their involvement in the illegal poaching of a tiger and a leopard. The कार्रवाई was carried out in the forest areas of Dantewada and Bijapur.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs about illegal hunting activities using traps, the Forest Department, along with the state flying squad, launched a joint investigation. Continuous surveillance led to the busting of an organised poaching gang. In a shocking revelation, a forest department official, Deputy Ranger Devi Prasad Oyam, was found to be involved in the illegal activities.

Investigations revealed that the deputy ranger facilitated the entry of poachers into the forest and assisted them in carrying out the شکار. The accused used iron wire snares baited with meat to trap the tiger and leopard, leading to their deaths. The tiger recovered in the case was estimated to be around three years old. The accused were reportedly planning to transport and sell the animal skins in Raipur.

The swift action was taken following directions from Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap. The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior forest officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force V. Srinivas Rao and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey.

The main accused in the case include Laxman Telam, Deviram Oyam, Ramesh Kudiyam, Pharson Poyami, Semla Ramesh, Sukhram Podiyam, and Chhatru Kudiyam. Based on interrogation, a raid was conducted in Keshapur village, where a leopard skin was recovered, leading to the arrest of Maso Oyam and Arjun Bhogami.

Divisional Forest Officer Ramakrishna stated that both the tiger and leopard are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Act, and they have been sent to judicial custody.

Senior officials have commended the team for this success and directed that the personnel involved be honoured. Instructions have also been issued to complete the investigation promptly and file a chargesheet in court.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap reiterated that the protection of forests and wildlife is the state’s top priority. He подчеркнул that poaching is a serious crime and no one involved—regardless of their position—will be spared. The action sends a strong message that any negligence or illegal activity related to wildlife will be dealt with strictly.