Major Action by Forest Department: Crackdown on Poachers, One Arrested, 12 Absconding

Raipur, Aug 2025 : Acting on the directives of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the Balodabazar Forest Division has taken strict action against illegal poachers. Based on intelligence received in the Kachalon Beat under Simga Range, one accused has been arrested, while 12 others are absconding and currently being tracked.

Under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Shri Ganveer Dhammsheel, the operation was led by Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDO) Shri Nischal Shukla and Range Officer Shri Basant Khandekar. During the raid, forest officials recovered wild boar meat, butchering tools, a sickle, wild boar intestines, G.I. wire, electric cables, and iron stakes from the accused. The investigation revealed that all the accused were collectively involved in organized illegal hunting activities.

The arrested individual, Parmanand Nishad (40 years, resident of Kachalon), has been booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and its 2022 Amendment. A case has been registered (Crime No. 1966/13 dated August 25, 2025), and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining absconding accused.

DFO Shri Ganveer Dhammsheel emphasized that wildlife is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and the environment. He assured that strict action will continue against such wildlife crimes. He also appealed to citizens and villagers to promptly inform the department of such activities and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

This operation saw the active participation of Trainee Range Officer Shri Aniruddh Kashyap, Deputy Range Forest Officer Smt. Sarita Ekka, Forest Guards Rajneesh Verma, Manbodhan Tandon, Forester Santram Kundre, Forest Guards Rakesh Dhruv and Govind Singh Patle, Forest Watcher Imeshwar Sharma, along with departmental staff and security personnel.