CHITWAN, May 14: The Central Investigation Bureau has initiated a search operation to arrest 90 poachers who still are at large. In coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Unit of Chitwan National Park, the District Police Office, and Nepal Army will assist the CIB in its search.

A Red Corner notice has also been issued against the fleeing accused. At least 176 rhinos were killed in the CNP by poachers/smugglers since 1995. If found guilty, a poacher can get five to 15 years of imprisonment and is fined Rs 500,000 to Rs 1.5 million or both, according to National Park and Wildlife Act.

According to Nurendra Aryal, information officer at CNP, other 150 convicts are serving prison time in the country.  At least 176 rhinos were killed in the CNP by poachers since 1995. Between 2058 BS – 2063 BS, 106 rhinos were killed, according to the national park. In 2002, 35 rhinos were killed.

Raj Kumar Praja, one of those accused in rhino smuggling was arrested by Malaysian police and handed over to Nepal police in 2071 BS. Praja was later charged with the murder of 20 rhinos. 

 
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