Balasore: Two Forest Department personnel sustained injuries due to firing by poachers in Kuldiha sanctuary near Panchalingeswar beat in Odisha's Balasore district, late last night.

The incident took place when they were patrolling in the area.

The injured ones, identified as Khitish Parida and Biranchi Jena of anti-poaching squad, were initially admitted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment.

The two poachers-- Sania Singh of Chekamara village and Guna Singh of Kainmagadia village-- were arrested. As many as two country-made guns were seized from their possession.

According to reports, the forest officials received a tip-off and set out for patrol upon learning that poachers had entered the forest. After hours of searching, they found the poachers at around 2 am and attempted to apprehend them.

However, the poachers opened fire on the officials, resulting in severe injuries to two of them.

Taking to 'X', Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Susanta Nanda informed that the two victims are currently out of danger. He also wished for their quick recovery.