<p>A prominent businessman from Assam’s Hojai, wanted in cases of illegal rhino horn trade, has surrendered before forest officials in Golaghat district.</p>.<p>Md Rahimuddin, who had two cases pertaining to unlawful trade of rhino horns registered against him, was absconding for a long time, Forest Department sources said.</p>.<p>He had managed to obtain pre-arrest bail in one case, but was arrested in connection with the other.</p>.<p>“As we closed the net around him, the suspect surrendered at Bokakhat on Sunday,” they said.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, a country-made gun and deer meat were recovered inside West Margherita Range of Dehing Patkai National Park in Tinsukia district by personnel from the department.</p>.<p>Following a tip-off regarding the presence of poachers inside the area, a search party was sent to apprehend them on Sunday, Divisional Forest Officer, Digboi, said.</p>.<p>The gang of poachers, however, jumped into the Dehing river and escaped.</p>.<p>An offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has been registered by the West Margherita Range and an FIR under the Arms Act was filed with Margherita Police Station.</p>.<p>“Investigation is underway… Samples of the seized meat will be sent for forensic analysis,” the DFO added.</p>
<p>A prominent businessman from Assam’s Hojai, wanted in cases of illegal rhino horn trade, has surrendered before forest officials in Golaghat district.</p>.<p>Md Rahimuddin, who had two cases pertaining to unlawful trade of rhino horns registered against him, was absconding for a long time, Forest Department sources said.</p>.<p>He had managed to obtain pre-arrest bail in one case, but was arrested in connection with the other.</p>.<p>“As we closed the net around him, the suspect surrendered at Bokakhat on Sunday,” they said.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, a country-made gun and deer meat were recovered inside West Margherita Range of Dehing Patkai National Park in Tinsukia district by personnel from the department.</p>.<p>Following a tip-off regarding the presence of poachers inside the area, a search party was sent to apprehend them on Sunday, Divisional Forest Officer, Digboi, said.</p>.<p>The gang of poachers, however, jumped into the Dehing river and escaped.</p>.<p>An offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has been registered by the West Margherita Range and an FIR under the Arms Act was filed with Margherita Police Station.</p>.<p>“Investigation is underway… Samples of the seized meat will be sent for forensic analysis,” the DFO added.</p>