Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: A dramatic police operation unfolded behind a five-star hotel in the capital, where a tiger skin smuggling deal was in progress. According to sources, the location, timing, and payment for the illegal trade had all been finalized, and the middleman had even arrived with the tiger skin. However, the plan was foiled when police, disguised as buyers, swooped in and exposed the entire operation in true film style.

The Special Crime Unit (SCU) has arrested three accused in connection with the case. Investigators suspect the group may have access to more tiger skins, and efforts are underway to secure their remand for further questioning.

Police are now probing the origin of the seized tiger skin- including where it came from, which forest the tiger was killed in, the animal’s age, and how it was hunted. The investigation is currently ongoing.