(Assam Zoo Rhino poaching attempt): Hint of global link in poaching

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The Telegraph, Guwahati, 05 Aug 2005.

Link:

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050805/asp/guwahati/story_5075419.asp

 

Hint of global link in poaching A STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, Aug. 4: Forest department officials engaged in anti-

poaching operations today said the failed attempt to kill a rhino in

the Assam state zoo on Monday could be the handiwork of an

international gang of poachers.

" This is no work of an ordinary criminal, going by the evidence

available and the manner in which the act was sought to be carried

out. As rhino products have a global market and all rhino poachers

operating globally have local links, there is a suspicion that this

could be the handiwork of an international gang of poachers, " Assam

chief wildlife warden M.C. Malakar said.

Police, however, are yet to make any headway in the case although

several persons have been interrogated in this connection. " We are

taking inputs from various sources to trace the kingpin of the gang, "

a senior police official said.

" The fact that the attempt was made in a protected area like the

state zoo situated in the heart of the capital points to an expert

gang of poachers, " he said. The gang could have also operated out of

nearby Pabitora wildlife sanctuary where a number of poaching

incidents through electrocution took place in the recent past.

Zoo authorities have beefed up security and visitors and their

belongings have been frisked thoroughly.