Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig):
In a significant operation against wildlife poaching, forest department officials arrested a husband and wife duo in the Palasgaon forest range of Chandrapur district on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The arrested individuals are Kalu Indal Rathod (35) and his wife Babita Gajanan Solanki (28), residents of Akoli village in Selu tehsil of Wardha district.
According to reports, around noon, during a patrol in compartment number 231 of the Parna area within the Palasgaon sub-region, the forest department team spotted two suspicious individuals wandering in the forest. Upon searching them, officials discovered two dead wild cats (one male and one female) and two other deceased wild animals. The suspects were brought to the forest department office for further investigation, where a two-wheeler (registration number MH 32 AQ 9470), an axe, and other equipment were seized from them. The carcasses of the wildlife were examined by Dr. Pochalwar, after which they were cremated.
Cases have been registered against the accused under Section 26D of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, leading to their arrest. This operation was conducted under the guidance of Chandrapur’s Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kushagra Pathak, and Assistant Conservator of Forests, Saitanmay Dubey. Palasgaon Forest Range Officer Yogita Atram, along with Forest Guards Vinod Kilnake, Vikrant Dudhe, Devanand Kharde, Thakre, Tarte, Gedam, and Meshram, played active roles in this mission.
This incident marks a significant step towards wildlife conservation, exemplifying strict action against illegal poaching.
