Three Arrested with Elephant Tusks in Chirang, Police Operation Continues

Chirang, Assam | January 19:
In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, police arrested three suspected poachers during a late-night operation at Subaijhar under Runikhata Police Station in Assam’s Chirang district. The accused were found in possession of elephant tusks, officials said.
The arrested persons have been identified as Dhanesh Rai (38), Dhaneshwar Rai (34), and Jewel Baske (50), all residents of Dumgaon village. Acting on secret information, police conducted a raid on Wednesday night and successfully detained the trio along with the seized wildlife parts.
According to sources, the arrests are linked to the killing of a wild elephant in the Runikhata forest area. The carcass of the elephant was reportedly found lying on a half lane in Karaibari, within the Runikhata forest range. Preliminary investigations suggest that the elephant was shot dead by poachers on January 19, after which its tusks and nail sticks were removed.
Following the incident, separate search operations were launched by the Forest Department and the police to track down those involved in the illegal hunting. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of the three accused during the night raid.
Police officials stated that the operation is still ongoing, as authorities are searching for other members believed to be involved in the poaching network. Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the crime and possible links to organized wildlife trafficking.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat to wildlife in the region. Authorities have assured strict action against those involved and appealed to the public to share information to help curb wildlife crimes.
More details are awaited as the investigation progresses.