Assam CM Orders Inquiry into Poachers’ Deaths at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the Chief Secretary to investigate the deaths of two suspected poachers, Samaruddin (35) and Abdul Jalil (40), at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident happened during a confrontation between forest guards and armed intruders from Sutirpar village. The guards opened fire in self-defense, leading to the deaths.

According to reports, the incident occurred on June 22 at around 1:00 am near Saraihagi Anti-Poaching camps. The forest patrolling team, on Rhino protection duty, encountered a group of 20 armed miscreants near Roumari Beel. Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Director Sonali Ghosh stated that the intruders attacked with sharp weapons, prompting the forest team to open fire in self-defense.

The two injured intruders were taken to Nagaon Civil Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The Forest Department has lodged an FIR, and a police and magisterial inquiry has been initiated. The area is a prominent rhino habitat and has a history of poaching and illegal activities. The forest department has strengthened the boundaries and maintained a strong vigil, leading to the migration of 2-3 rhinos from Orang Tiger Reserve to the Roumari landscape since October last year. Currently, police and forest department staff are camping on the site to maintain law and order.