http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Another_rhino_killed_in_Kaziranga/articleshow/2759996.cms

Another rhino killed in Kaziranga

6 Feb 2008, 0128 hrs IST,TNN

GUWAHATI: Poachers killed another rhino in the Kaziranga National Park and decamped with the horn on Tuesday morning.

This is the fourth rhino to be killed in five weeks. Assam might seek a CBI probe into the frequent killing of rhinos in the park.

Director of the park S N Burhagohain said a male rhino was killed in Haldibari beat under Kohora range that is close to NH 37.

"The incident took place at about 6.15 am. We suspect that poachers might be holed up inside the park. We have sealed the park and are trying to track the culprits," he said.

Eyewitnesses said the rhino's body was lying by the beel (water hole) close to the national highway. The animal had received two fatal hits in his neck. The horn was missing when the people and forest authorities reached the spot.

Poachers have killed 527 rhinos in the state from 1981 to 2001. According to the forest department, 18 rhinos were killed in 2007.

Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are purported to have aphrodisiac properties and also end up as ornamental dagger handles. Rhino horns can sell at an estimated $ 35,000 per kg in the Far East.

In Guwahati, the forest minister Rockybul Hussain, who has been in the line of fire from several political parties and organizations for the unabated killing of rhinos in the park said he has no problem if the CBI is called in as demanded by so many people.

"I am writing to the CM that we have no problem if the CBI is asked to investigate why so many rhinos are being killed by poachers," he said.