Two poachers were killed over the weekend in India’s Orang National Park after the duo allegedly killed a one-horned rhinoceros. The poachers were hoping to use the loud sounds and noises of the Diwali festivities to drown out the sound of their gunfire. By the time forest guards got to the scene, it was too late – a rhino had already been killed. Her horn had been chopped off.
According to reports, the two men were shot by forest guards late Saturday night. Two others escaped. One of the deceased, known to authorities, has been identified as Hormuz Ali. Ali, suspected of killing another rhino earlier this year and believed to be the mastermind of the wildlife crimes in the area, had just been released from spending three months in jail. 22 bullets were fired by authorities in the incident. Along with the rhino’s horn, which was found in Ali’s hand, an axe and cartridges were also recovered from the scene.
So far this year, six rhinos have been killed in the Orang. In September, the government of Assam announced it would set up five anti-poaching camps and several floating camps in order to prevent the poaching of the one-horned rhinos in the Orang National Park.
3 rhinos photo by Deepraj
Works for me, the poachers “poached,” that is. Should happen more often. Then just maybe they’d think twice ….. uh, er … they’re human – they’re stupid … they would not. Oh well, two gone helps.