Tall claims made by the Forest Department of having tightened noose around poachers have proved superficial with the seizure of a tiger skin from a house in village Potlai. The recovery of the hide is indicative of the fact that the tiger was recently poached. The STF and forest team from Southern general forest division also apprehended three poachers from the village.

 

According to information, Forest Department received a tip-off about the incident. A team of STF and Forest Department from Southern general forest division raided a house in village Potlai and seized hide of a tiger. The accused nabbed have been identified as Hemchandra Kundelal Bhalwai (45). After the accused was arrested, he was taken to forest office and interrogated about the seizure made from his home. Earlier the main accused was seen along with his brother-in-law in possession of a plastic bag containing the hide of dead tiger. Soon after the joint team raided the location, his brother-in-law managed to flee from the spot and Hemchandra was apprehended.

 

In course of interrogation, he revealed name of his associates, Deepsingh Khelsingh Bhalawi (46) and Mahalal Tejlal Wadiwa (35), residents of village Chikhla.

 

Apparently the village Potlai is close to Pench buffer range. It is speculated that the three poachers managed to kill the tiger in the buffer zone and had peeled off the skin of the dead animal.

 

After being arrested, the three accused were interrogated and a series of omissions and contradictions came to fore raising suspicion poaching of the tiger in the buffer zone.

 

The main accused Hemchandra was seen along with his brother-in-law, Kishore trying to sell the hide. The latter is absconding and a massive search is on to nab him.

 

SDO Kodopey informed that in view of seizure, it is held that the poachers are skilled in poaching but less experienced in peeling off the hide. “During raid conducted, we have recovered sharp edged weapon used to peel off the hide of the dead animal as during the process, the hide was damaged.”

 

A case has been registered against three poachers. Investigations are underway to establish the mode of hunting adopted by poachers.