Poacher – Season 1 Episode 8 Recap, Review & Ending Explained

Did Poonam Break Under Pressure?

Even though Mala misses her flight because of Poonam’s antics, she manages to reach Coimbatore, thanks to Neel’s last-minute tickets. Once there, they make their way to the Magistrate’s quarters to officially arrest Poonam Verma. Upon reaching Kerala, Mala reveals to Poonam that she has been arrested for ivory trading. With just six minutes on the clock, they reach the Magistrate’s house, and she gives them the green light to interrogate Poonam in police custody.

At first, Poonam is hesitant to reveal anything, knowing that Mala and others have no concrete evidence and can’t build a case against her based solely on a criminal’s police statement. Poonam is confident that once her lawyer arrives, she will walk free as if nothing has happened. Neel is losing his cool and orders Mala and Alan to break Poonam no matter what.

Mala and Alan change their strategy and hack into Poonam’s phone, which is teeming with evidence. They coerce Poonam into revealing the location of the safe house where she has kept raw ivory. They also threaten to file cases against Poonam’s daughter and husband if she doesn’t comply.

With no choice left, Poonam gives them the address of a safe house in a remote location in East Delhi and divulges that they can find the key to the safe house at her home. However, Neel refuses to share the location of the warehouse with the Crime Division Bureau in Delhi, suspecting foul play. In retaliation, IPS Khera refuses to provide them with backup.

Do Mala and the team find the Ivory contrabands?

Mala and the others visit Poonam’s husband and ask him for the key to the safe house. Poonam’s husband, Sachin, initially refuses but eventually gives in to the intimidation by Neel and hands them the key. The rangers break into the safehouse, hoping to find a large amount of ivory products, but their expressions change when they find only a few kilos of contraband.

However, after extensive searching, Alan finds Poonam’s original stockpile. When weighed, it amounts to a little less than half a ton. This is the least of Neel’s problems, as the area they’re currently in is known for riots and hostile gangs. The locals suspect that the police are looting gold from their area. Therefore, Neel and the others do whatever they can. They arrange for backup and trucks to transport the ivory to the airport.

The police try to calm the situation with the help of the media, promising to give them an exclusive interview once the operation is concluded. However, this doesn’t work, and a riot breaks out. Neel and the others manage to escape with their lives and the ivory products.

After reaching Kerala, Kishore and Neel address the media, informing them about Poonam Verma, Ravi Don, and others involved. They also announced that they are currently in the process of implementing strict rules and regulations to stop poaching.

Will Mr. Menon from CBI investigate the ivory consumers?

As the episode nears its end, Neel meets with Mr. Menon of the CBI in his chamber, asking for his help to catch ivory consumers. Neel provides him with a detailed list of these consumers.

However, the CBI chief is less than interested in following the lead because some of the people mentioned in the list are among the wealthiest individuals in India and abroad, who could potentially topple the government if they choose to do so.

Menon leaves with the list and files, but it appears that he will not be investigating the case. Mala asks for permission to launch her own investigation, but Neel denies it, saying she would be risking her family and loved ones.

The Episode Review

The conclusion of the show provides a satisfying resolution for the audience, but for the characters in the film, the ending is far from satisfactory. While they manage to apprehend Poonam, Ravi, and over 70 other criminals, there are still hundreds of ivory consumers who remain at large.

These individuals order the assassination of innocent animals to adorn their homes with tusks, skins, and other trophies, believing it makes them appear powerful and influential.

However, the true heroes are people like Neel, Mala, and Alan, who risk their lives to protect wildlife and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. While the fight against wildlife crime continues, the efforts of these dedicated people will inspire others to join the ongoing battle to preserve our planet’s precious fauna.