(IN): ‘Reformed’ rhino poacher back in the hunt

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080222/jsp/northeast/story_8932162.jsp

 

*'Reformed' rhino poacher back in the hunt*

PULLOCK DUTTA

 

*Guwahati, Feb. 21:* Old habits die hard.

 

The arrest of a veteran poacher, Matka Gogoi, earlier this week has brought

to light the story of how one of the most dreaded rhino stalkers in

Kaziranga surrendered in the early nineties to turn protector, only to pick

up the gun again recently.

 

Matka, in his sixties, was arrested after a gap of 25 years along with five

other poachers on Monday. A forest official revealed today that after he

surrendered in 1992, Matka promised to help the Kaziranga management in

protecting the rhino. As a goodwill gesture, the park recruited his son

Tapan as a forest guard.

 

Matka was arrested over 15 times when he was an active poacher, but he

escaped with minor punishment each time. His latest arrest is on charges of

killing a rhino and its calf near Methoni tea estate on January 18. He has

confessed to being involved in the crime.

 

Kaziranga ranger Dharanidhar Boro said trusting Matka was a mistake. " He has

not changed one bit. We have reason to believe Matka was involved in several

incidents of rhino poaching in Kaziranga in recent months. "

 

The Kaziranga management is also keeping watch on the activities of Matka's

son, who till yesterday was a sentry at an anti-poaching camp in the park.

" He has been removed to another camp on the fringes of the park, " the

official said.

 

Matka and his accomplices told interrogators that they sold rhino horn to

one Jiten Chuba in Dimapur for Rs 4.70 lakh.

 

A forest official who served in Kaziranga during the 1980s said Matka was a

nightmare for forest guards. " He is a master in poaching and knows all the

tricks of the trade. From pit poaching to shooting, he has experience in all

aspects of poaching. "

 

Matka, the official said, became involved in rhino poaching in Kaziranga in

1970. " He would go back to poaching immediately after being let out of

jail, " he said.

 

On whether Tapan ever helped his father, a source said there was no evidence

against him as of now. " We are keeping tabs on him only as a precaution. "

 

Sunu Gogoi, a poacher arrested along with Matak, said the veteran coaxed him

into killing rhinos in Kaziranga for easy money. Sunu and Matka hail from

the same village.

 

Pobitora forest officials, along with police, on Thursday arrested a

poacher, detained two others and seized arms and ammunition from Gorumura

Dol.

 

The poacher, Abidur Zaman, was picked up after officials conducted a raid

based on reports that a gang was planning to poach rhinos in the area.

 

The other two are being questioned.

 

 

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