Forest officials in MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary near Kollegal have been on their toes since the exchange of fire between forest guards and poachers two days ago.
On the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, a group of 20-30 poachers from Goinpadi village in Tamil Nadu was reportedly found entering the sanctuary at Mulpunjuru near Palar.
When the suspected poachers were crossing a river, forest guards and watchers opened fire on them, who retaliated. DCF Javed Mumtaz said they were successful in driving back the poachers following several rounds of firing by over a dozen forest officials.
He said there were no signs of the poachers being injured in the incident. He said as poachers are frequently found entering the wildlife sanctuary, the department has stepped up vigil, especially at night time. An FIR has been filed in connection with the incident.