Assam: Police apprehend 'most wanted' rhino poacher in Darang

Assam Police apprehended a most wanted rhino poacher Abdul Matin from the state's Darang district here on December 15.

As per reports, Matin was allegedly involved in the poaching of one world-famed one-horned rhino in the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in January this year.

''After almost year long hunt, Abdul Matin @ kala, one of the main criminal behind January 2022 rhino poaching at @kaziranga_has been arrested by @Darrang_Police. One rifle suspected of used in crime has also been recovered,'' Assam Special DGP, GP Singh tweeted.
 

After almost year long hunt, Abdul Matin @ kala, one of the main criminal behind January 2022 rhino poaching at @kaziranga_ has been arrested by @Darrang_Police One rifle suspected of used in crime has also been recovered. @assampolice @CMOfficeAssam pic.twitter.com/mv1fJctwsr

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) December 15, 2022

On January 19, the carcass of the one-horned rhino was found in Hikekhonda under the Kohora range of the KNP.

The police have also seized a .303 rifle from his possession. 

In 2021, Assam witnessed one solitary case of rhino poaching which is the lowest number of cases the state has seen in 21 years.

As per the government data, the one-horned rhinoceros was killed by poachers in Kaziranga National Park in April 2021, while two rhinos were killed in 2020, three in 2019, seven in 2018, and six in 2017.

In 2016, 18 rhinos were killed while 17 were poached in 2015 at different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Rhino poaching in Assam was at its peak in 2013 and 2014 - 27 rhinos were killed in each of the two years. Between 2000 and 2015, a total of 153 rhinos were poached in the state.

Also read: Assam government to set up ‘Directorate of Prosecution’, create new cadre for public prosecutors