FW: Key accused detained in Gir sanctuary poaching case

27-4-2007

The Hindu

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200704271351.htm

 

Junagadh (Guj), April 27 (PTI): An accused, suspected to be the king-pin of poachers, has been detained by Gujarat police in connection with the poaching of Asiatic Lions of the Gir sanctuary, police said today.

 

He was picked up from Madhya Pradesh's Katni district few days ago and is suspected to be one of the main persons behind the killing of about eight lions in Gir recently, police said.

 

However, the officials are tight-lipped about the details of the detention.

 

The accused is believed to be part of inter-state gang of poachers from Madhya Pradesh who are believed to be behind the three different poaching incidents in March-April this year.

 

Officials here believe that members of this gang were instrumental in poaching tigers in Sariska and Panna National Parks.

 

The state CID crime is conducting a detailed inquiry into these Lion poaching cases even as the administration has stepped up security and has ordered a headcount of lions living in and around Gir.