Antipoaching Operation in Andaman: Armed Forces and Police Nab Six Poachers After Six-Day Island Hunt
Authorities have intensified their Antipoaching Operation in Andaman after an unidentified boat loaded with protected marine species was intercepted near Tillangchong Island. The coordinated action brought together the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and A&N Police, leading to the arrest of six poachers. The search for the remaining suspects is still underway.
Boat With Illegal Catch Seized
Rear Admiral Biplab Hota, Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command, said that a naval ship spotted a suspicious vessel off the west coast of Tillangchong Island during routine surveillance. The team found that it was a poacher’s boat, with four men fleeing into the forest.
Officials recovered the following from the boat:
• 130 kg of sea cucumbers
• 150 kg of trumpet triton frog shells
• Ration supplies and clothing
• Paperwork linked to the suspects
The boat was later handed over to the local police.
#WATCH | Sri Vijaya Puram, Port Blair: Rear Admiral Biplab Hota, Chief of Staff, Andaman & Nicobar Command, says, "During a routine surveillance of the Andamans, one of our ships found an unidentified boat off the west coast of Tillangchong Island. It was found to be a poacher's… pic.twitter.com/0WgSEtZDlg
— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2025
Joint Operation Launched
With growing concerns over organised poaching networks, police requested help from various defence units. This led to a massive Antipoaching Operation in Andaman, with joint teams setting up checkpoints, entering dense forest patches, and tracking movement in high-risk areas.
Key points from the operation:
• Army and police teams entered the island on foot
• Checkpoints were set up in tough and uneven terrain
• Surveillance support came from the Navy and Air Force
• Coast Guard units provided coastal monitoring
Rear Admiral Hota confirmed that six poachers have been caught so far. During questioning, the suspects revealed that eight more accomplices are hiding on the island.
Operation Still in Progress
The joint forces continue the Antipoaching Operation in Andaman, with search teams active across the island. Officials say the coordinated action reflects a zero-tolerance approach toward poaching in the archipelago.
The Andaman and Nicobar Police said the operation at LOP Tillongchoung took six days and involved intense jungle work under extreme conditions. The agencies have stated that the operation will continue until all poachers are caught.
