Balasore, Sept 23: Nearly two weeks after five orangutan babies were rescued in Odisha, the investigation by the Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has reportedly hit roadblocks.

Investigators initially relied on mobile tower-dumping data to identify the suspected wildlife traffickers. However, the Odisha-West Bengal border location created difficulties, with mobile networks from both states covering the area. More than 10,000 mobile phones were reportedly active along the Chandaneswar-Bhusandeshwar route on the night of the incident, while over 1,500 phones were tracked around the rescue site.

With the mobile data yielding little concrete evidence, the STF examined more than 300 CCTV recordings. The footage reportedly helped investigators trace a Thar vehicle bearing registration WB-56T-0333. The orangutan babies were allegedly transferred to the vehicle from a white car near The Grand Heritage hotel in New Digha, around 2 km from the Odisha border.

By the time the STF reached the hotel three days later, the vehicle owner and suspected traffickers, identified as G. Maiti and his son Soumyadeep from Howrah, had reportedly fled. Their last mobile locations were traced near the Nepal border, according to an STF officer.

Bhogarai MLA Gautambuddha Das has criticised the pace of the investigation and alleged that individuals linked to the ruling party may be involved in the wildlife trafficking network. The allegations have not been independently established.

Meanwhile, the five orangutan babies are reportedly in stable condition at Nandankanan Zoological Park and are being cared for under the supervision of an AIIMS specialist team.