KATHMANDU: Two people have been arrested on suspicion of entering Chitwan National Park with the intention of poaching the one-horned rhinoceros, one of the world’s rarest wildlife species.
The arrested individuals have been identified as 68-year-old Khadga Narayan Chaudhary of Setipani, Madhyabindu Municipality–1 in Nawalparasi (East), and 52-year-old Tek Bahadur Magar of Furkedanda, Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality–5 in Chitwan.
According to Chitwan National Park, both were arrested from the Brahmasthan Ghat area of Madhyabindu Municipality–3 in Nawalparasi (East).
Park information officer Avinash Thapa Magar said a firearm locally known as a “kartus” and ammunition were recovered from their possession.
During a search of Chaudhary’s house, authorities also recovered seven suspected tiger tooth artifacts, one Mauser gun, ammunition and 136 Indian currency notes of Rs 500 denomination, according to the park.
Chitwan National Park said an investigation has been initiated against both individuals on charges of attempting to kill the protected one-horned rhinoceros and involvement in the illegal purchase and sale of protected wildlife parts.
The park said a case has been filed at the Nawalpur District Court seeking punishment under Section 26(5Dha) and Section 26(1) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029.
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