One suspected poacher has been shot dead by Forest department personnel allegedly during exchange of fire between them and a gang of eight to ten persons in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, during the early hours on Sunday, forest officials said. According to officials, a gun and dismembered parts of a sambar deer has been seized from the scene, and investigations are ongoing.

The incident occurred in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Officials said a team of forest guards and anti-poaching camp personnel were rushed after personnel who were on field patrolling heard sounds of gunshots around midnight.

During the combing operation forest personnel found the gang of eight to ten persons, who allegedly fired at them, officials said, forest guards had to return fire in which one person was killed, while others disappeared under the cover of darkness.

Forest officials along with police are making efforts to nab other gang members, they added.

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