Two individuals have been arrested from Kawasoti in East Nawalparasi for allegedly planning to poach rhinos in Chitwan National Park. Authorities recovered two pistols and one Carlos rifle from their possession. They were apprehended on the night of May 6 (Jestha 23) while attempting to enter the park based on local intelligence.
An investigation team confirmed that the two suspects were detained with weapons from their homes in Kawasoti on the night of May 6 and are currently under further inquiry. Along with the two pistols and one Carlos firearm, other materials were also seized from them.
Avinash Thapamagar, the park’s information officer, stated that the investigation into the arrested individuals is ongoing, but he was unable to provide further details. According to local sources, the suspects were preparing to enter the park from the Lamichaur Bhutaha area as part of a traffickers’ plan to kill rhinos. They remain in the custody of the national park while the investigation progresses. The arrests come amid the park’s zero-tolerance campaign aimed at preventing rhino poaching.
