"Narcotics and wildlife parts trade are closely linked and work in close coordination across the globe. Rhino horns, ivories and other wildlife parts are sold in the grey market to push narcotics trade and also raise money for arms used by militant groups," said a wildlife crime expert.

National Board of Wildlife ( NBWL) member Bittu Sahgal told TOI that rhino-poaching in the state had assumed alarming proportions six months ago. On Friday, another carcass of a rhino without its horn was found in Kaziranga's Agoratoli forest range. This was the latest rhino poached, taking the toll to 12 in Kaziranga this year. The state lost at least 17 rhinos this year. Last year, 22 rhinos were killed.

"There is no doubt about the involvement of a narcotics network in the illegal trade of rhino horns, ivories and other wildlife parts in the international market. These wildlife parts are used to propagate narcotics trade as well as arms for militant groups," said Sahgal.

Sahgal added that the Union home ministry should also seriously look into the nexus which is threatening wildlife in the country.

"The money from Verappan's ivory and sandalwood smuggling was used in procuring arms for LTTE, the money from the horns of rhinos killed in Manas went into financing arms during the height of Bodo militancy. Similarly, the money from snow leopard skins went into funding arms for militants in Kashmir. The home ministry should take the nexus seriously. There is an urgent need to strengthen intelligence gathering," said Sahgal.

Even state forest and environment minister Rockybul Hussain did not rule out the involvement of militants in poaching rhinos at Kaziranga in recent times. Hussain had said at a time when the demand for rhino horn is soaring in the international market, poachers are getting sophisticated weapons from militants.