Baripada: Use of AI-based cameras to keep a watch on Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) led to the arrest of 13 poachers and the seizure of weapons on Monday.
Sources said that Forest department officials arrested 13 persons on charge of poaching inside the STR following alert received through AI-based camera. All accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Based on the information, officials of the STR launched a special operation and nabbed the 13 persons who were trying to hunt wild animals inside the tiger reserve.
During the operation, STR officials seized a crude country-made gun, 13 bows, 33 arrows, and some other weapons from the accused persons, officials said.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Hari Bansingh, Chandra Mohan Saya, Dhaneswar Saya, and Budhuram Sijui from Ranibhal village; Bajay Badra, Hinduram Badra, Jayram Badra, Khejuri Badra, and Mangal Badra from Anlakata village; Dumbi Gundua, Pagu Marndi, and Mangal Alda from Dudhiani village; and Gurucharan Kerai from Ramjodi village. All these villages fall under the jurisdiction of Karanjia police station in Mayurbhanj district, he said.
Notably, the STR started using AI integrated cameras in August this year as an advanced surveillance tool to check trespassing of wildlife criminals and effectively deal with forest fires. Coupled with foot patrolling carried out by forest guards on a daily basis, these cameras have now become a stealth weapon for Similipal authorities to ensure that every corner of the tiger reserve remains under surveillance.
Authorities are planning to increase the number of cameras to 300 so that trespassing in the core and buffer areas can be monitored, sources said.
