Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 30 December 2023
In a rapid and effective response to vital intel provided by local fishermen on December 27, 2023, an anti-poaching task force, spearheaded by Sub-Inspector Subramani of the Katchal Police Station, executed a highly successful operation at the West Bay area of Katchal Island.
The meticulously planned operation unfolded on December 28, 2023, involving officers and personnel from Police Station Katchal, including HCs Nitish Kumar & Buchendra Rao, PCs Niraj Mondal, Sabraj Mohammed, Vinay Kumar Pandey & Sankar S. Aind, CTs Mahadev Uraon and Sandeep Kumar. On foot, the team scoured the West Bay area, meticulously examining potential hideouts. Upon detecting suspicious movements within the jungle, they swiftly encircled the area. When ordered to surrender, the suspected foreign poachers attempted to flee.
In a daring pursuit, the anti-poaching team successfully apprehended six Myanmarese poachers initially. Their identification and subsequent custody were the result of an exhaustive combing operation supervised by Mr. Manjeet Sheoran, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District. Subsequently, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) army team also joined the combing operation. Today, local police achieved further success by apprehending two additional poachers, bringing the total to eight in custody.
The ongoing search for remaining poachers persists, driven by a collaborative effort between the ANC team and local police. Authorities urge the general public, particularly local fishermen, to report any credible information regarding the presence of suspected or foreign individuals to expedite credential verification or apprehension.
This joint endeavour between local law enforcement and civilians underscores a resolute commitment to combat illegal activities in the region, preserving the ecological equilibrium of the emerald islands.