Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 18: Acting on credible information received from local fishermen on 01/12/2025 regarding the sighting of suspected foreign poachers in the vicinity of uninhabited Western Coast of North Andaman Islands, an Anti-Poaching Operation “Coral Shield” was swiftly launched by the North & Middle Andaman District Police.
Multiple Anti-Poaching teams comprising of Police personnel from PS Kalighat, OP Kishorinagar, PS Mayabunder, PS Diglipur as well as personnel from IRBn, PMF and Home Guard Volunteers were immediately mobilized to the suspected location.
The team conducted persistent patrolling and extensive searches across the identified stretch of islands and adjoining sea routes spanning an area of 50 Sq. Km. During the operation, on 02/12/2025, the team successfully intercepted 01 engine-powered dinghy and apprehended 02 Myanmarese poachers along with approximately 800 kg of sea cucumber and other survival articles near Nemai Gope under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kalighat.
Some poachers managed to escape into the dense jungles of the islands, following which a comprehensive and sustained jungle search operation was immediately launched to trace and apprehend them. The team undertook continuous tracking and combing efforts for two weeks, working in close coordination with the local fishermen community and building on local intelligence inputs.
After covering nearly 200 Sq. km across dense jungle terrain and coastal stretches and facing extremely difficult and hostile conditions, the team displayed exceptional courage, endurance and perseverance to reach Karen Nallah on the north-western coast of North Andaman where credible traces indicating the presence of the poachers were detected. During the combing exercise as part of Operation Coral Shield, the team successfully apprehended 03 more poachers from Karen Nallah on 16/12/2025, followed by the apprehension of 03 more poachers from Nappi Gope on 17/12/2025. Thus, a total of 45 poachers has been apprehended, 06 dinghies seized and approximately 1,500 kg of sea cucumber have been recovered by North & Middle Andaman district police in the current year.
The operation Coral Shield was coordinated by SI Shibender Nath Halder, SHO PS Kalighat under the supervision of Sh. Ankesh Yadav, SDPO Diglipur. This forms part of the ongoing operation “SANRAKSHAN” initiative launched by A&N Police aimed at strengthening maritime vigilance and safeguarding the uninhabited and ecologically sensitive islands of the Andaman & Nicobar region from illegal intrusion, poaching and environmental threats.
The North & Middle Andaman District Police commend the alert fishermen for their timely input and reaffirm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity, preventing illegal trespassing and ensuring territorial security.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
