Odisha: Police intensify raid in Mayurbhanj’s Similipal, seize 9 more country-made guns

Baripada: During a special drive launched to de-weaponise and weed out the poachers active in Similipal Tiger Reserve, two cases were detected yesterday in which eight country-made guns (SBML) and a country-made small firearm were recovered in Mayurbhanj, SP Battula Gangadhar said today.

According to the SP, the intelligence-based search operation was carried out by Khunta police in areas around Tunki, Rangamatia, Kusumghati, Dengam, Baniabasa and Jadidar villages in the district.

The firearms hidden in the jungle near Tunki and Baniabasa by unknown persons were seized.

Two separate cases (No-212 and No-213, both dated: 28.07.2023, U/s-25 of the Arms Act) have been registered at Khunta police station and detailed probes initiated, the SP stated in a presser.

Acting on a tip-off and subsequent directions of the Mayurbhanj SP, a police team led by Khunta IIC Lopamudra Nayak conducted the raid leading to the seizure of firearms.

Poachers who are in possession of illegal firearms have been given a deadline to submit their weapons to the local police on or before July 31. This deadline was clamped on villages coming under 12 police stations in the region. Stringent actions will be taken otherwise for illegal possession.

Notably, only one person has voluntarily submitted his weapon to Baripada Sadar police.

The massive drive was started on June 18 and police have so far recovered around 32 country-made guns and arrested 20 poachers in connection with 10 different cases in the district.