The Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve authority in Arunachal Pradesh apprehended one person for illegal possession of barking deer meat, official sources said on Monday.

The Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve (NNP & TR) authority acted swiftly, as on Saturday, the staff including Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) manning the M'Pen gate intercepted a person carrying some suspicious articles. On thorough search, it was revealed that the materials that he was carrying included meat of barking deer, weighing around 13 kg.

The person was then apprehended and put in police custody after an FIR was lodged for further investigation, a senior Forest Department official said.

It is worth-mentioning that in recent days, intensive patrolling including night patrolling is being carried out by the Park authorities.

Intelligence network has been intensified that led to this particular information and helped us in making a breakthrough of such illegal activities.

“A thorough investigation process is on to find out the traces and involvement of other people in this unlawful activity,” he said, while adding that “all efforts will be made to go till the roots of such acts and involvement of any organised networks linked to this illegal trade”.

The Park authority has zero tolerance activities and any such cases shall be dealt with firmly, he said.

The entire operation was carried out under active supervision of T Mali, RFO, Miao Wildlife Range, Deban and under the guidance of VK Jawal, Conservator of Forests & Field Director, NNP & TR, sources added.

(With UNI inputs)