STF,Odisha Conducted Special Drive Against Wildlife Criminals
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar, 09/12/23: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid today i.e. on 09.12.2023 morningon NH- 326 (Berhampur-Rayagada) near AkhusingiChowk under Padampur PS Jurisdiction of Raygada district regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of two wildlife criminals namely Samsan Raita (45),S/o-Manku Raita,Vill-Burduguda,PO-Sambalpur,PSR. Udaygiri,Dist-Gajapati and Asmin Sabar, 28 years S/o Mamala Sabar of Village:-Tuagudi, PO-Tablaguda, PS-Padampur, Dist-Raygada were apprehended.
During search one Live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.
The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, fo which they have been apprehended. In this connection STF PS Case No.29 dated 09.12.2023 U/s 379/411/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered and the accused person will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Gunupur.
The Live Pangolin also handed over to DFO, for safe custody. Investigation is going on.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta ‘ବକାା ‘’ in Odia is a solitary, shy, slowmoving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties. Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing.
