17 Jun 10

Forest Guard Kidnapped, Brutally Murdered by Poaching Ring in Orang National Park

Assam’s war on rhino poaching took another tragic turn last weekend.

A brave forest guard in Orang National Park has made the ultimate sacrifice: The body of Hassan Ali was found by his team after gunshots were heard in the early morning hours.

Hassan had been shot twice in the stomach at point blank range. Four people – including a home guard – were subsequently arrested for kidnapping and killing Hassan Ali.

Ali remembered as a protector of Orang National Park

Hassan Ali was known for his successful efforts at thwarting poaching attempts on Orang National Park. Assam-based wildlife advocate and conservationist Azam Siddiqui praised his work.

A brave forest guard had to sacrifice his today for our tomorrow here at a National Park in Assam.

It may be noted that Hassan Ali was responsible for the arrest and elimination of many poachers and was one of the brightest sentinels guarding the wildlife from the evils.

Orang National Park’s Divisional Forest Officer Sushil Daila noted that Hassan had previously discovered the four killers were part of a poaching operation that had been plaguing Orang National Park, and he was working to stop them from continuing their illegal activities.

Tajuddin Ahmed, his father, brother and home guard Isha Haq Ali from Pachnoi anti-poaching camp had kidnapped Hassan Ali late last night after he tried to stop them from carrying out several poaching operations in the sanctuary.

Hassan had found Tajudddin and his family’s alleged links with poachers and had tried to stop them from carrying out unlawful operations.

Daila added that park authorities have extended an offer of employment to Ali’s two sons, and financial assistance to his family.

Ali’s killers also known for repeated attempts at encroachment on the Park

In addition to working in conjunction with rhino poachers targeting Orang National Park, Tajuddin and his family had been reported by Ali for attempting to encroach on the park’s protected area.

Wildlife NGOs are outraged, and calling for for strong and swift action against Ali’s murderers. Dr. Bibhab Talukdar of Aaranyak also voiced concern for the remaining park staff.

We urge the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that his death doesn’t demoralize other staff. We need to ensure security of the Orang National Park and its employees.

The collaboration between encroachers and rhino poaching gangs has been an ongoing problem for Orang’s forest guards.

Forest guards face tough battle at Orang National Park

Orang National Park is home to approximately 58 greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis); between 2007 and 2009, 25% of its rhinos were slaughtered by poachers (TRAFFIC).

In order to protect the Park’s remaining population, forest guards have stood up to harsh obstacles – such as local villagers who collaborate with rhino poachers, and a lack of manpower and firepower.

However, progress has been made this year in the war on rhino poachers.

In January, four rhino poachers were arrested, and in March, forest guards managed to shoot and kill a rhino poacher after enduring a 30-minute gunfight with rhino poaching gang operating in Orang National Park.

Sources: Mr. Azam Siddiqui, via personal communication; The Assam Tribune, 12 June 2010; The Telegraph, 12 June 2010

Forest Guard Kidnapped, Brutally Murdered by Poaching Ring in Orang National Park by Rhishja Larson via Bush Warriors

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. Besides writing Rhino Horn is Not Medicine, I am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, the Editor of Project Pangolin, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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