Chitwan, October 7

Chitwan National Park arrested an absconding rhino horn smuggler and sent him to prison today.

According to CNP Assistant Conservation Officer and Information Officer Narendra Aryal, Ishwori Prasad Mahato of Ratauli at Kawasoti Municipality, Nawalparasi, was nabbed from Amaltari area on Friday. Mahato, convicted for rhino horn smuggling, had been at large for the past 10 years.

Two cases were filed against seven persons including Mahato for smuggling rhinos and selling their horns on 14 October 2009 at Chitwan National Park.

CNP had sentenced Mahato to 15 years in prison and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 in 2014. In the next case, he was sentenced to 15 years jail term and Rs 80,000 fine was slapped against him.

Mahato had been staying in a hideout in India. Acting on a tip-off, a team of the CNP managed to arrest Mahato. The CNP source said Mahato had killed two rhinos and smuggled their horns.