HT Correspondent
MANGALDAI, June 30: Two fishermen were arrested on Sunday for illegally catching the rare Peepli Chang (China Burkha) fish within the protected boundaries of Orang National Park and its adjoining project area.
The duo, residents near the Chandrapur Forest Protection Camp, were sent to judicial custody on Monday.
According to an official statement from forest officer Pranjit Deka, the forest department had received reports about attempts by villagers to capture the endangered Peepli Chang species.
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In response, patrols were intensified in the area.
The two individuals were apprehended red-handed while fishing in a drain near the Chandrapur camp.
Authorities seized 50 fishing hooks and a plastic bag from the spot.
During questioning, the accused admitted to their involvement, revealing that they had previously caught a Peepli Chang fish on June 17 and sold it to a smuggler identified as “Kalam” for ₹17,000.
Both expressed regret and pledged not to repeat the offence.
The incident has raised serious concerns over illegal fishing practices in the region, which pose a threat to the fragile ecosystem of Orang National Park.
The forest department has reaffirmed its commitment to strict surveillance and enforcement to prevent such activities and protect the park’s biodiversity.
