100 % conviction rate in wild life cases investigated by STF Odisha
On the day of International Tiger Day i.e. on 29.07.2024 Hon’ble court of SubDivisional Judicial Magistrate, Kuchinda Dist. Sambalpur convicted one accused person namely Sankirtan Munda S/O Dhaneswar Munda Vill: Pahadamara, PO: Dimrikuda, PS: Laimura, District: Deogarh U/s. 411 IPC & U/S 51 the Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972 in STF PS Case No. 08/2024. The court sentenced the accused person to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment (R.I) for Three (3) years with fine for commission of offence U/s. 411 IPC & u/s. 51 of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. In this case, on 15.02.2024, STF, Bhubaneswar apprehended the above noted accused person on Kuchinda-Bonaigarh road near office-cum-Residence of Banarakhi, Thianala under Kuchinda Police Station Dist. Sambalpur and recovered Two numbers
Leopard Skin with other wildlife products from his possession while the accused person along with another were waiting there to deliver the same to a customer. After successful investigation, charge sheet was submitted against the accused persons U/s. 379/411/120-B IPC r/w. 51 of Wild Life Protection Act,1972. During investigation the seized Leopard skins were also sent to Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun for biological chemical examination and opinion was received affirmatively. Trial was
conducted against above noted accused person where during trial prosecution has examined 07 witnesses and exhibited 11 documents. This is the Sixth case of STF where the accused persons were convicted under Wildlife Protection Act. Till date trial has been completed in 06 Wildlife cases and all
the cases ended in Conviction.This is worth to mention that the conviction rate of wildlife crime cases in India is less than five per cent. STF Odisha has taken special efforts to ensure that our investigation is of highest standards and we meticulously follow our prosecution in the courts so that the cases are brought to logical conclusion/ conviction. STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb the organized crime as well as cases against Wildlife in the State. Offence under Wildlife (Protection) Act is also one of the focusareas of STF and STF will continue its drive against such illegal wildlife
poachers/ dealers.
1. Investigating Officer: Smt. Sarita Beuria, Inspector STF , BBSR
2. Conducting Prosecutor: Sri Abhisekh Jayswal, Asst. Public Prosecutor, Kuchinda STF got the power/authority to investigate wild life cases in 2018. So far, STF has
booked 101 cases and have arrested 232 wild life Criminals. Our major seizures, so farLeopard hides- 59
Elephant Tusks-27
Live Pangolin- 23
Pangolin Scales- 42 Kg
Tiger hides- 02
Deer Hides- 11
