Three suspected rhino poachers have been apprehended in a joint operation by forest officials from the Eastern Range, Gamiri and Crime Investigation Range of Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, officials said on Sunday. The accused, who were allegedly planning to carry out rhino poaching in Kaziranga National Park, were apprehended from Narayanpur in Lakhimpur district, officials said on Sunday. The apprehended persons have been identified as Kiran Pegu, a resident of Ukhal Chuk village under Garmur police station in Majuli district; Riju Pegu (Rijukanta) a resident of Chesa village under Bihpuria police station in Lakhimpur district and Pulen Kaman from Dak Chapori village under Gohpur police station in Biswanath district.
The accused have been arrested on the basis of intelligence inputs received on Saturday and in connection with offence (number ER/02 of 2026 dated March 21, 2026. “They were planning to carry out rhino poaching inside the Sixth Addition of Kaziranga National Park. A country-made rifle bolt and butt (without magazine) was recovered and seized from Ukhal Chuk, Majuli,” an official said. Earlier, in the month of March 2026, one .303 Rifle and 13 rounds of ammunition were recovered near Gopaljarani area, which is in proximity to Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Further investigation is underway, the official said.