In the early hours of Wednesday, a suspected poacher was killed in a crossfire with forest guards inside Kaziranga National Park in Assam, officials confirmed. The exchange of fire occurred after a patrol team confronted a group of armed men believed to be poachers attempting to enter the protected area.

According to park authorities, the incident took place around 2:50 am in the Maite Tapu area under the Burapahar Range of Kaziranga. The park’s director, Sonali Ghosh, said that the forest department had received intelligence inputs indicating the movement of a group of armed poachers inside the park late Tuesday night. Acting on the information, all anti-poaching camps across the region were placed on high alert, and instructions were issued to block possible escape routes.

“Our field staff had been instructed to comb the area and maintain vigilance throughout the night. Around 2:50 am, a river patrol team noticed the reflection of light coming from an unidentified object in Maite Tapu. On closer observation, they located a group of suspected poachers,” said Ghosh.

When the patrolling team challenged the group and asked them to identify themselves, the poachers allegedly opened fire on the guards. “The forest personnel responded with controlled fire in self-defence,” Ghosh said, adding that the situation was brought under control after a brief exchange of bullets.

Following the encounter, additional forces from the range headquarters rushed to the site and launched a combing operation to secure the area. During the search, the body of one unidentified poacher was recovered. The body was later sent to a nearby government hospital, where doctors confirmed the death.

Forest officials also recovered a .303 rifle and a handbag from the spot, suspected to belong to the poaching group. A large-scale search operation is currently underway to locate the remaining members of the gang, who are believed to have fled deeper into the forest after the encounter.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been the target of organized poaching groups, particularly for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, whose horns are highly valued in illegal wildlife markets. Despite significant progress in reducing poaching incidents in recent years, authorities continue to face challenges due to the park’s vast terrain, which spans over 1,000 square kilometres of floodplains, grasslands, and forests along the Brahmaputra River.

Over the past decade, the Assam Forest Department and local police have intensified anti-poaching operations, deploying advanced surveillance technologies, river and drone patrols, and strengthening intelligence networks. Forest guards, often operating in dangerous conditions, are equipped with firearms and undergo training in night operations and counter-ambush tactics.

Director Sonali Ghosh praised the vigilance and quick response of the patrolling team, stating that the action helped prevent a possible poaching attempt inside the park. “Our frontline staff continue to work round the clock under challenging conditions to protect Kaziranga’s wildlife. This encounter reflects their courage and commitment,” she said.

Officials added that the recovered rifle would be sent for ballistic examination to determine whether it had been used in previous poaching incidents. The forest department is also coordinating with local police to trace the identity of the deceased and establish whether he was part of a known poaching network.

In recent months, forest authorities have noted a rise in attempts by small armed groups to infiltrate Kaziranga’s southern and western ranges, particularly during the post-monsoon season, when water levels recede and movement through forest corridors becomes easier.

Kaziranga has recorded a remarkable decline in poaching incidents over the past few years, thanks to enhanced surveillance and community engagement. According to government data, the park reported zero rhino poaching cases in 2022 and 2023 — a historic milestone since anti-poaching records began. However, forest officials continue to maintain high alert as the illegal wildlife trade remains active in neighbouring regions.

Local conservationists, while commending the forest guards’ efforts, have urged authorities to further strengthen the intelligence network around fringe villages. “Many poaching groups rely on local informants and logistical support from nearby areas. Strong community awareness programs and economic alternatives can help reduce such risks,” said an environmental activist based in Golaghat district.

The latest encounter adds to a series of armed confrontations that the park’s anti-poaching units have faced over the years. With its extensive wetlands and dense vegetation, Kaziranga poses significant operational challenges to patrolling teams. Forest guards often carry out night patrols by foot, vehicle, and river boats, monitoring vulnerable entry points frequently used by poachers.

Kaziranga’s success in wildlife protection has become a model for other national parks in India. Yet, incidents like Wednesday’s remind authorities of the persistent threats posed by organized poaching networks.

Officials said that the combing operation launched in the Burapahar Range would continue until all members of the group are accounted for. The area has been sealed off temporarily to prevent movement and allow forensic and ballistic teams to examine the encounter site.

The park authorities have also informed the Assam Police and the State Forest Department headquarters in Guwahati about the incident. A formal inquiry will follow standard operating procedures to verify the sequence of events and ensure that due process was maintained.

As operations continue, forest officials remain resolute that Kaziranga’s rhinos, elephants, tigers, and other endangered species will continue to be protected at all costs. “We are committed to safeguarding our natural heritage. Every life saved from poachers is a victory for conservation,” said a senior forest officer involved in the operation.

The Kaziranga encounter highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in India’s fight against wildlife crime. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by forest guards on the frontlines and the enduring threat posed by poaching syndicates that target one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.