100 % conviction rate in wild life cases investigated by STF Odisha

On 30.09.2024 Hon’ble court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Harabhanga, District- Boudh convicted one accused person namely Goutam Behera, S/O-Late Damodar Behera of vill-Nuasahi, Sudurukumpa, PS-PhulbaniSadar, Dist-Kandhamal U/S 379/411 IPC r.w. 51 the Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972 in STF PS Case No. 02/2024. The Court sentenced the accused person to undergo 03 years (Three) of Rigorous Imprisonment (R.I) with fine of Rs.10, 000/-only for commission of offence.

In this case, on 20.01.2024 at 5.15 AM STF, Bhubaneswar apprehended the above noted accused person by the side of Charichhak–Phulbani main road near villRanipathar under PurnaKatak PS Dist. Boudh and recovered one Leopard Skin from his possession while the accused person was waiting there to deliver the same to a customer. After successful investigation, charge sheet was submitted against the accused person U/S 379/411IPC r.w. Sec. 51 the Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972. During investigation the seized Leopard Skin was 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 11 witnesses and exhibited 09 documents.

This is the Ninth case of STF where the accused persons were convicted under Wildlife Protection Act. Till date trial has been completed in 09 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 focus areas of STF and STF will continue its drive against such illegal wildlife poachers/ dealers.

1. Investigating Officer: Inspr Manoj Kumar Sethi
   
2. Conducting Prosecutor: Sri Ajit Kumar Parida, Asst. Public Prosecutor, Harabhanga and Sri Dillip Dhal, Asst. PP, Harabhanga