BHOPAL: A raid by the Forest Department's Tiger Strike Force, aimed at capturing key members of an inter-state wildlife poaching and smuggling racket, led to the discovery of a massive narcotics haul in the tribal-dominated Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh.
Acting on a specific tip-off, the Tiger Strike Force, alongside Forest Department staff, raided the hideout of Surya, the wanted kingpin of the wildlife smuggling racket, and his two key aides in Padariya village, Shahpura area of Dindori district. However, Surya and his aides managed to escape before the raid took place.
Although the primary targets evaded capture, the operation resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of explosives, a massive net (used to capture wild animals), and approximately seven quintals of ganja. According to sources involved in the operation, a JCB machine had to be used to unearth the large stash of ganja buried at the hideout.
The Forest Department informed the Dindori police about the operation's findings, which also included a pressure bomb, other explosives, and a dozen expensive motorbikes. Additionally, four teenagers were detained for questioning, and their statements could provide crucial information leading to the capture of the fugitive gang members.
A senior Forest Department official stated that the raid was conducted based on reliable intelligence about the presence of the kingpin and his aides. Although they managed to escape, valuable clues were collected during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend them.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) recently issued an alert to multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, about gangs involved in wildlife crime, particularly the poaching of tigers.