Seven Arrested in Sundarbans Illegal Harvesting Sweeps

Forest guards deployed in the Eastern Sundarbans have apprehended four suspected poachers equipped with deer-trapping snares and three fishermen operating during a prohibited seasonal ban. The targeted anti-poaching operations also resulted in the confiscation of vessels and fishing gear. Following their detention, all seven individuals were formally escorted and presented before the Bagerhat Court on Thursday afternoon, 11 June.

Apprehension of Deer Poachers in Sharankhola

According to official data released by the Forest Department, the initial breakthrough occurred on Wednesday evening, 10 June. Members of the Smart Patrol Team, representing the Sharankhola Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, were conducting a routine surveillance sweep when they discovered concealed snaring networks. The traps had been laid within the dense foliage of the Chaprakhali forest, a sector managed under the Shelar Char patrol post.

Upon detecting the equipment, the forest guards initiated a tactical sweep of the immediate perimeter. The operation yielded a significant quantity of deer-trapping snares and led to the direct apprehension of four suspected poachers. Additionally, law enforcement personnel located and seized a motorised trawler belonging to the suspects, which had been moored in a canal a short distance from the poaching site.

The detained wildlife suspects have been identified as:

• Solaiman Hawladar (40)

• Rasel (38)

• Nayan Biswas (17)

• Nur Alam (18)

All four individuals are registered residents of Uttar Rajapur village, situated within the Sharankhola Upazila of Bagerhat District.

Detention of Fishermen in Protected Waters

In a separate but coordinated enforcement action on Wednesday afternoon, patrol teams intercepted illegal fishing activity within the protected Supati forest zone. Forest guards discovered three fishermen operating inside the Dora side canal, completely violating the statutory ban on fishing imposed during the seasonal sanctuary closure period.

The individuals were caught in the act of harvesting aquatic resources. Officers immediately seized their fishing trawler, along with the accompanying nets and catch.

The apprehended fishermen have been identified as:

• Hiru (40)

• Alamgir (35)

• Tamim Mridha (19)

The three fishermen reside in Chhotto Patharghata village, located in the Patharghata Upazila of Barguna District.

Legal Proceedings and Institutional Action

The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Sharankhola Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, Mo. Shariful Islam, confirmed that formal legal charges have been filed against both groups. The suspects are being prosecuted under the provisions of the prevailing Forest Act. Following the completion of mandatory processing and administrative documentation, the four poachers and three fishermen were transferred to judicial custody at the Bagerhat District Court for formal arraignment.

Enforcement Operation Statistical Matrix