Raid against Wildlife Criminals by STF,Odisha
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Boudh Forest Division on 22.03.2023 evening near Boudh Bypass road PS. Boudh Dist. Boudh regarding dealing/possession of wildlife of Jamukhol, Tikripada, Dhadalapada and Prasant Kumar Behera of Jamukhol, Tikripada, Dhadalapada Boudh were apprehended.
During search two numbers Live Pangolin weighing 13 kg & 10 kg respectively 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 Pangolins, for which they have been apprehended. In this connection STF PS Case No.06 dated 23.03.2023 U/s 379/411/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is being registered and the accused persons will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, , Boudh.
The Live Pangolins also handed over to DFO Boudh for safe custody. Investigation is going on. The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta ‘ବଜ୍ରକାପ୍ତା‘ in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, 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.
