Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 October 2024
In a swift response to credible information from local fishermen, police launched an anti-poaching operation on 14 October following sightings of poachers in three dinghies off the coast between Vikash Nagar and Kakana. The operation was led by Sub-Inspector Calvin, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Nancowrie, and included officers HC/420 YBK Murthy, PC/2998 Sunder Johnson, PC/2882 Paul Kristopher, PC/2831 S.M. Krishna, and PC/1008 Sartaz Khan, with support from local fishermen.
Upon reaching the creek, the police team located the three suspicious dinghies, which are believed to belong to Burmese poachers. A thorough search was conducted in the surrounding seashore and jungle areas. However, due to inclement weather and the onset of darkness, the poachers were not apprehended.
The inspection of the dinghies revealed a significant haul of sea cucumbers, weighing approximately 1,295 kg, stored in various containers. The dinghies were subsequently towed back to Kamorta jetty with the assistance of Indian Coast Guard vessels, and efforts are ongoing to locate the fleeing poachers. Currently, the seized dinghies are secured under police supervision at the Kamorta jetty.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Solomon Samuel, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Car Nicobar, with overall oversight by Mr. Manjeet, IPS, SP District Nicobar.
During a conversation with Nicobar Times, Mr. Aslam Majeed, First Captain of Kamorta, raised concerns from residents of nearby villages regarding potential threats from poachers. He urged the police to increase their deployment to capture the poachers, who are currently in hiding. Additionally, he called for heightened police presence in the villages to improve security and safeguard local communities until the poachers are apprehended.
The police are also appealing to the public, particularly local fishermen, to report any credible information regarding the presence of foreign or suspicious individuals to facilitate immediate checks and possible apprehension. The successful collaboration between local law enforcement and civilians highlights a shared commitment to combat illegal activities in the region and protect the ecological balance of the emerald islands.