3 hunters detained, 22 deer released

Forest rangers have arrested three deer hunters from Tear Char area under the Sharankhola Range in the Sundarbans. Later 22 deer were rescued and released in Sundarbans. The hunters were arrested by the forest workers of Tear Char Patrol Battalion on Tuesday morning. The arrested are Sanjay, son of Haripad of Kathaltali village in Patharghata upazila, Abul Khan, son of Joynal Abedin of Charduani village and Asadul Sheikh, son of Malek Sheikh, a resident of Pankhali area of Dakop.

East Forest Department Sharankhola Range Officer ACF Md. Joynal Abedin said the three hunter smugglers were arrested in an operation on basis secret information. According to the information given by them at that time, 600 feet nylon trap, 22 alive deer, 30 kg deer meat and two trawlers used by the hunters were rescued from the forest. Later the deer were released into the forest.

ACF Joynal Abedin further said that ringleader of the group, Malek Gomsta, 55, son of Efran Gomsta of Patharghata upazila was able to escape at that time. The forest department and various law enforcement agencies have more than 50 cases against him. Two months ago, he was released from prison and re-engaged in deer hunting. Efran Gomsta is also known in the Sundarbans as the raff timber and deer hunter.

A case has been filed against the detainees under the Forest Act and sent to the court. In addition, the patrol system in the Sundarbans has been strengthened. Sundarbans East Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Md. Belayet Hossain said the patrol was intensified from April 10 by canceling the holidays of all the officers and employees of the Sundarbans when the hunters became active with the opportunity of coronavirus outbreak.

So many consignments of live deer have not been seized recently. The matter has made tensed the forest department. For this, all the forest units have been instructed to increase surveillance and continue the operation.