I Assam
In what may be termed the most bizarre case of hunting a Greater one horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) with a spear, the case has now been successfully resolved. As per sequence of events, On 24th Nov 2023 around 8.30 PM in the evening, the key accused, Shri Naren Saikia, a 47 years resident of Lokhorakhonia, threw a spear on the rhino that had ventured in the area. Subsequent to the intelligence gathered by DFO Eastern Assam Wildlife Division Shri Arun Vignesh and team, Shri Naren Saikia was arrested and sent to judicial custody on November 26, 2023.
Drone combing combined with elephant patrolling surveillance was undertaken by the Kaziranga forest department staff led by Dr Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, Forest Ranger Kaziranga and the carcass was detected on 30th Nov 2023 at 2.30 pm near Teteliguri Anti-Poaching Camp (Ekorani Area) inside the National Park.
The Post mortem was conducted in the presence of committee members comprising veterinarians and members of veterinarians, civil society members on 01/12/23. The Female Rhino is estimated to be aged 20-30 years and the cause of death has been ascribed to the Injury on left flank, back rear portion of stomach with a deep penetration of the weapon (Spear) across skin and ribs. Further samples have been collected for DNA analysis and for the RhoDIS system and will be sent to Wildlife Institute of India. The horn was intact and recovered as per standard procedure by departmental staff for safe custody.
