CBI on Tuesday registered three cases in connection with poaching of rhinoceros in the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam. The cases registered by the agency relate to poaching of three rhinos which took place during July and September, 2012 in Karbi Anglong and Nagaon.
KNP has witnessed an upsurge in poaching of rhinos from 2012 onwards. last year, 25 rhinos were killed in KNP, while 20 have been poached so far this year. The cases registered against unknown persons were being probed by the Assam police and were re-registered by the CBI at the request of the State government.
According to the FIRs, rhinos were allegedly killed by using fire arms and their body parts were taken away. Agency sources said the cases will be probed by the Economic Offences wing that specialises in investigation of wildlife crimes.