Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 17 August 2023
In a daring operation conducted on August 16th, 2023, an anti-poaching team comprised of ASI B.S Halder, HC V. Saji, and PCs Subrata Biswas & Jaspal Singh displayed exceptional courage and efficiency as they successfully apprehended three foreign poachers in the dense mangroves and creek area of Loha Tikrey, Khari Nallah. The team’s unwavering determination and swift actions have been widely commended by authorities.
The anti-poaching team had embarked on their mission to track down suspected foreign poachers who were believed to be hiding in the mangroves and creek area of Loha Tikrey. While patrolling the area, the team suddenly spotted suspicious movements that confirmed the presence of the poachers. ASI B.S Halder swiftly alerted the team about the potential threat.
As the police team approached, the poachers attempted to escape into the dense jungle, but they were not able to evade the vigilant officers. The team fired warning shots in a bid to halt the fleeing poachers, but the suspects managed to disappear into the jungle. Undeterred by the challenging terrain, the anti-poaching team valiantly pursued the poachers, ultimately succeeding in cornering and apprehending all three suspects.
In a separate incident the day before, on August 15th, 2023, an individual identified as Rupeshwar, son of Mr. Bimal Soreng and resident of Pailoon, brought a surrendered Myanmarese national to the Kishorinagar Police Outpost. The Myanmarese national had voluntarily surrendered at the Civilian’s home and was promptly taken into custody at the Kishorinagar Police Outpost before being transferred to the Kalighat Police Station.
Through sign-language communication during the initial interrogation, the surrendered Myanmarese national revealed that he had been alone and hungry for the past 20 days. He had become separated from his group, and it was discovered that his group had already been apprehended by the police a few days earlier. The surrendered individual disclosed that he had sought refuge in the remote jungle of Loha Tikrey, surviving by hiding in the dense vegetation. His intention had been to engage in illegal sea cucumber collection within the territorial waters of the A&N Islands.
All four apprehended poachers, including the surrendered Myanmarese national, were subsequently transported to the Kalighat Police Station. The investigation has been handed over to the PS CCS for further scrutiny. The operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, SP (D) N&MA, who praised the team’s remarkable courage and efficiency throughout the operation.
The outstanding bravery demonstrated by the anti-poaching team members has garnered significant recognition, and they are set to receive well-deserved rewards for their exceptional performance. Additionally, the civilian individual who exhibited bravery in bringing the surrendered Myanmarese national to the authorities will be rewarded and presented with an appreciation certificate.
Authorities are urging the general public, as well as fishermen operating in the area, to promptly report any credible information regarding the sighting of foreign boats or nationals. They can contact their nearest police station or use phone numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344. Informants’ identities will be kept confidential, and they will be duly rewarded for their courageous efforts in aiding law enforcement.