Baripada: A major poaching attempt was foiled at Similipal forest in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha on Friday after the sophistocated AI technology alerted authorities to the presence of armed poachers.
The prompt swift from forest officials led to the surrender of 39 suspects, who were found in possession of guns, gunpowder, bows, and arrows.
Sources said a group of armed poachers sneaked into the Similipal sanctuary on Thursday night, but their plans were foiled when AI cameras detected their movement. A real-time alert ensured a swift response from the forest force, culminating in a 24-hour operation that led to the surrender of 39 poachers, along with 9 guns, a cache of gunpowder, over 20 bows and arrows, and other incriminating weapons.
Officials said the poachers are from Ambikadeipur, Mahalisahi, Lukuida, Matakmatla, Jitusahi, Khaladi, Langadi village under the jurisdiction of Udala Police Station.
The poachers have been booked under wildlife protection laws, and an FIR will be lodged against them for violating the Arms Act.
The successful operation involved the Special Tiger Protection Force and staff from three ranges.
Senior forest officials said that the success was due to real-time detection, active intelligence, and timely action.
