According to a spokesman of the NDA, about 4-5 trespassers were spotted in its premises by the patrol party early today who were challenged by the guards.
"When challenged to stop, poachers opened fire on NDA security personnel. In retaliatory fire, a poacher died while others escaped," he said.
The poacher who was killed in the encounter was yet to be identified, it was stated.
Incidents of sandalwood smuggling from the sprawling NDA premises have been reported in the past.