Boko: In a coordinated operation, forest officials from Singra and Kulshi ranges arrested three men early Tuesday in connection with the deaths of two wild elephants in Assam’s West Kamrup district.
The arrests follow the discovery of two dead elephants—one in Pakharapara village under the Singra Forest Range, and another in Dhangargaon village under the Kulshi Forest Range.
Both locations fall under the jurisdiction of the West Kamrup Divisional Forest Office.
During the operation, forest teams led by Singra Range Officer Bhargab Hazarika and Kulshi Range Officer Kankan Jyoti Kaushik seized electric wires, batteries, and an inverter believed to have been used to electrocute the elephants in paddy fields.
The accused reportedly admitted to setting up the electric trap during interrogation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bhagirath Rabha from Dhengargar village in the Kulshi range, along with Ramakanta Boro from Dadanpur village and Akuk Rabha from Jarapara village in the Singra range.
Rabha’s case, registered as Kulsi Range Case No. K/99 of 2024, falls under sections 9, 39(1), and 57 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The two suspects from Singra are being charged under Case No. S/81 of 2024-25, invoking sections 9, 39, 57, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, along with Section 25 of the Assam Forest Regulation Act, 1891.
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