Injured rhino found, forest guards exchange fire with poachers

GUWAHATI: An injured male rhino was found with horns removed by poachers who later exchanged fire with forest guards in Orang National Park of Assam's Udalguri district.

Eight rounds of fire have been exchanged with the poachers who are yet to be apprehended, forest officials said.

The officials said the poachers removed the horns after tranquilizing the rhino and left it in a bleeding state in Jhaoni area of the vast Park.

The rhino was still alive and doctors rushed to the spot to treat the bleeding animal.

As forest guards launched search operation inside the Park, the gun battle erupted.