Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 July 2023
In a daring operation, the Anti-Poaching Task Force (APTF) successfully apprehended nine Myanmarese poachers in the dense mangroves near Loha Tikrey. Led by Inspector Anirudra Mondal, the APTF team consisting of police officers and local sources from nearby villages conducted an extensive search in the creeks after finding a missing dinghy suspected to be stolen by the poachers.
On the 20th of July, the APTF team, comprising Inspector Anirudra Mondal, ASI U. Ramesh, HCs Mohd. Ameen, Bobby Jacob, and Tata Rao, Cts Vijay Rajan, Nayan Bera, Dilip Ekka, Subrato Mondal, M. Raju, Shanker, Sybestin, and Madhavan, PCs Sameer Halder, and Imran, received information about foreign poachers hiding in the mangroves and creek near Loha Tikrey. Acting on the tip-off, they ventured into the dense jungle, supported by local villagers.
During their search in the creeks, the team stumbled upon a dinghy belonging to a local fisherman, which had been missing for several days from Area 26. It raised suspicions that the dinghy might have been stolen by the Myanmarese poachers and hidden in the dense mangroves.
Inspector Anirudra quickly devised a plan, and the team split into three groups to conduct a massive search operation. As they combed the deep jungle and creek, they discovered the hidden poachers. The team moved swiftly, ordering the poachers to surrender. However, the poachers attempted to flee, ignoring the police orders. The APTF team managed to chase them down and apprehend all nine poachers successfully. To prevent any escape, the team had to resort to firing warning shots.
Following the operation, the Myanmarese poachers, along with the stolen dinghy, were taken to PS Kalighat on 22nd July 2023 for initial questioning. Once the enquiry is completed, the suspects will be handed over to PS CCS for further investigation. The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, SP (D) N&MA.
Despite challenging terrain and inclement weather, the APTF team’s exemplary bravery shone through once again. With the arrest of these nine poachers, the APTF has successfully apprehended a total of 26 poachers within just a month. The team’s dedication and efficiency have earned them praise, and they will be suitably rewarded for their efforts.
The authorities have urged the general public and fishermen venturing into the sea to report any credible information about foreign boats or nationals to the nearest Police Station or via phone numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344. Informants can rest assured that their identity will be kept confidential, and they will be rewarded for their brave act in assisting the fight against poaching.
This successful operation by the Anti-Poaching Task Force marks another step forward in preserving the precious biodiversity of the region and protecting marine life from illegal activities.