STF Conducted Raid – Leopard Skin Recoverd ;Two Held

Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar:On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help Betanati Forest Officials near S.C.B. Junior College, Ragdha, under Betanati P.S of Mayurbhanj District  today i.e. on 05.01.2022, as a result of which two wildlife criminals namely Prasanta Kumar Mohanty  S/O Birendranath Mohanty of village: Kuamara, PO: Talakadada, P.S: Khunta, Mayurbhanj and  Gora Bindhani  S/O Late Suna Bindhani of village: Balijuda, PO: Kadualbandh, PS: Badasahi, Mayurbhanj were apprehended. During search, Two nos Leopard Skin and other incriminating articles were recovered from their possession.  The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of Leopard Skins, for which they have been detained and handed over to Baripada Forest Officials for legal action at their end. The Leopard Skins will be sent to Wild Life Institute of India, Deharadun for chemical examination.  Investigation is on.

Since 2020, Special drive against the wildlife criminals/ poachers have been launched.  STF has seized as many as 24 numbers of leopard skins, 12 numbers of elephant tasks, 7 numbers of deer skins, 9 numbers of live pangolin and 15 kg pangolin scales with arrest of as many as 54 numbers of wildlife criminals.