The poacher was in the wanted list of police in connection with the poaching of 8 lions in Gir forests of Gujarat in the year 2007. The Gujarat Central Investigation Department (CID) has taken the culprit along with them for initiating the trial against the accused.

The notorious poachers, Mintar, is the resident of Panna district. In the year 2007, 8 lions were killed inside Gir sanctuary in Gujarat. As many as 18 criminals were given rigorous imprisonment of 3 years and fine of Rs 10,000 each for the killings. Some more poachers including Mintar were at large after the poaching of lions.

Later the case was handed to Gujarat CID for nabbing these poachers. A case against Mintar is also registered with Jesarpal police station Bhavnagar in Gujarat.

The authorities of Gujarat have also requested the Forest department of Madhya Pradesh, for nabbing the culprit. Following the request, State Principal Chief Conservator Forest (PCCF-wildlife) HS Pabla had issued directives for locating the culprit.

Recently a tip-off was received that the poacher has been hiding in Katni district. Following the information, a team of forest officials was formed. The entire operation was conducted in clandestine manner as the notorious poacher had already given eluded arrest twice in Khandwa and Panna in the past.

However on Saturday, the forest team surrounded the poacher in the forests of Katni and managed to nab him.

Divisional Forest Officer Katni AK Baronia confirmed that the poacher was nabbed on Saturday and the Gujarat CID team, which had reached Katni on Sunday, had taken the accused along with them to Gujarat.

He however declined that any other associate of Mintar was accompanying him in Katni. Baronia however accepted that Pardhis have sizable presence at Katni and nearby areas and this traditional poachers’ tribe is posing problems for wild animals.