Specialized kits boost wildlife crime investigation

Guwahati: The Nagaon wildlife division introduced specialised investigation kits and training programmes at Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, focusing on audio-video recording protocols to improve wildlife crime scene investigation and strengthen forest officials' capabilities in modern wildlife protection standards.
The kits contain crucial tools for gathering and examining evidence, including crime scene protection equipment, fingerprint collection materials, impression evidence investigation apparatus, and trace evidence collection instruments. These additions represent significant progress in local conservation initiatives.
The forest ranges of Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries received the kits, which were developed jointly with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Aaranyak, during an inauguration by the divisional forest officer (DFO). The event included a day-long training session on audio-video recording protocols under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) legislation.
Thirty-one frontline staff members participated in the comprehensive training, which included theoretical knowledge and practical experience in video documentation of crime scenes and post-processing methods. This initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy to address wildlife crime in the area.
DFO of Nagaon wildlife division, Rajib Hazarilka told TOI, "The training program was conducted for the frontline staff. A total of 31 frontline staff attended the workshop on investigating a crime scene and the tools or kit that is required during such investigation has been distributed to the ranges of the sanctuary, which include two ranges namely Ghorajan range and Dhania range."
The Laokhowa and Burhachapori sanctuaries, under Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's administration, are situated centrally in Assam. These protected areas are encompassed by significant reserves including Kaziranga National Park eastward, Orang National Park and Pobitora Wildlife sanctuaries westward, Pakke-Nameri National Park northward, and Karbi Anglong's reserve forests southward.
These sanctuaries serve as vital migration corridors between Kaziranga and Orang national parks, earning their designation as buffer zones of Kaziranga.