Rayagada, Sept 1: In a significant breakthrough, a team from Mumbai, representing the Central Government’s Revenue Intelligence Department, has uncovered an international wildlife smuggling racket near Kolnara in Rayagada district, Odisha. The operation led to the seizure of two leopard skins and the arrest of four poachers involved in the illicit trade.
The arrested individuals include two smugglers from Gunupur in Rayagada district and two from Nagpur, Maharashtra. They were apprehended while attempting to smuggle the leopard skins out of the country. Following their arrest, the accused were handed over to the Rayagada Forest Department for further legal action.
The four suspects have since been presented in court, where they confessed to their involvement in a long-running inter-state wildlife smuggling network. According to the Forest Department, this racket has been active for several years, trafficking leopard skins for various illegal purposes.
In a related development, the Forest Department in the Similipal South division of Odisha arrested seven individuals on July 18 for their involvement in another leopard skin trafficking operation. These suspects were found in possession of three leopard skins, which were seized by authorities. The investigation revealed that the skins were being kept in the homes of the accused, who believed they would bring them wealth through worship.
The seized skins are currently undergoing forensic analysis to trace their origin. An official statement from the Forest Department highlighted the success of the operation, citing the invaluable technical assistance from the Mayurbhanj police, particularly in mobile tracking and CDR analysis, which were instrumental in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
"We are committed to safeguarding our wildlife and preserving the rich biodiversity of our region. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to wildlife crimes," the statement concluded.
