17 July 2009


A well-known tiger and leopard poacher, Durru Pardhi, was arrested in Katni on Thursday, 16 July 2009. The operation was carried out by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, led by Katni Divisional Forest Officer, Mr A.K. Baroniya, with intelligence and assistance provided by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).

Durru, aged about 30 years, is believed to have killed dozens of tigers and leopards in Karnataka and Maharashtra. He is wanted in the high-profile 2007 Gujarat lion poaching case, and is the prime absconder in the December 2007 Karnataka case of the seizure of 65 skins. The information for this case was also provided by WPSI. Durru is also an accused in two cases in Maharashtra in 2006 that involve the seizure of two tiger traps in Warsa Forest Division and five tiger traps near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

"We are thrilled that this habitual tiger killer has been apprehended. This is a clear example of the need and effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement", said Nitin Desai, Director Central India of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.