Former Sarpanch Among 3 More Arrested For Killing Forest Guard In Odisha’s Similipal

Baripada: Three more poachers, including a former sarpanch, were arrested on Friday in connection with the murder of a forest guard at Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The poachers were apprehended during a joint operation by Mayurbhanj police and Forest Department officials. Ten country guns and other arms were seized from their possession during the raid.

Buddhadeb Singh, a former sarpanch, was found involved in the crime. The other two poachers have been identified as Sukalal Marndi and Dugul Singh.

Forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena was shot by a group of people carrying a live barking deer on Monday evening. Balasore SP Sagarika Nath, who is also in charge of Mayurbhanj district, had told the media that police had identified all five suspects. Two were arrested early Tuesday.

Also Read: Forest Guard Shot Dead In Odisha’s Similipal; Two Poachers Detained, Guns Seized

This is the first case of a forest guard being killed by poachers within the sanctuary, according to officials.