Criminal case launched after armed poachers attack eco-policemen in Surkhan nature reserve

An armed attack on eco-policemen at the Surkhan State Nature Reserve in Surkhandarya province has led to the opening of a criminal case, as announced by the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection.

Environmental inspectors on patrol in the Sherzhon sector encountered three men armed with hunting rifles. The individuals disregarded multiple commands to stop.

The agency stated that the poachers discharged their firearms in the direction of the reserve staff before dropping their backpacks and escaping. A subsequent examination of the abandoned bags uncovered the butchered carcasses of two wild animals.

Authorities have since identified the suspects. The case materials have been transferred to the local district police department, and a criminal investigation has commenced under Part 3 of Article 202 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to violations of regulations concerning the use of flora and fauna. The investigation is currently active.