Forest mobile squad nabs two poachers

Mysuru: Forest mobile squad, Mysuru, has arrested two persons on charges of hunting wild animals.After a three-year-old tiger was found dead after being caught in a trap illegally set up for hunting wild boars on a farm in Agasanahundi village, HD Kote taluk, within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, deputy conservator of forests, Mysuru forest mobile squad, formed a special patrol team, which included range forest officers, deputy range forest officers, and other staff.This special patrol team was tasked with monitoring the borders of Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves to keep a close watch on those setting traps and poaching wildlife.While patrolling on April 2, the team noticed car-borne individuals wandering suspiciously near Bhimanakolli Sri Mahadeshwara Temple, close to the Kabini backwaters in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve area of HD Kote taluk. Upon investigation, they apprehended two suspects, Suresh Kumar KH and Madhusudhan MB.They were travelling in a car carrying a double-barrel gun, a single-barrel gun, 14 live bullets, gunpowder, lead pellets, knives, six snares made from clutch wire, two head torches, a gas cylinder and burner, tarpaulin, utensils, weapons, and other equipment. It was discovered that they were illegally hunting wild boars and deer since April 1.A case has been filed under Wildlife Protection Act, and the duo was remanded in judicial custody.Residents in the forest border villages have been requested to inform the authorities by calling the forest helpline, 1926, if they notice any strangers or suspicious individuals involved in poaching activities.