Baripada, Dec 9: Poaching activity has resurfaced in Similipal, but forest authorities moved swiftly after AI-enabled cameras captured images of two suspected poachers inside the Kendumundi Range of Similipal North Wildlife Division on November 21.

Acting on the footage, teams raided the suspects’ homes this morning, arresting two men and seizing a cache of hunting gear and bushmeat.

The accused persons have been identified as Bhagirathi Buliuli and Budhuram Kandanakel of Jalda village, under Karanjia police station limits.

The accused persons were arrested and taken to Similipal North Wildlife Division office at Jashipur for interrogation.

Besides, four bows, ten arrows, and one knife, along with 160 snares and about 1.7 kilograms of dried bushmeat, reportedly from a wild pig, were also seized from the possession of the accused.

Forest officials said the AI camera network flagged the duo’s entry and movements in the protected zone, enabling targeted enforcement.


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The department is continuing its investigation to identify possible accomplices, supply chains for illegal bushmeat, and larger poaching networks operating around the reserve.

Authorities emphasised that enhanced surveillance—combining AI vision systems with rapid field response—has become central to deterring wildlife crimes in Similipal. They added that more raids could follow based on leads gathered during questioning.