Bhubaneswar, Sept 15: The Crime Branch STF investigating the rescue of five orangutan cubs from Odisha is yet to make a breakthrough in tracing the alleged key suspects in the wildlife trafficking case.
The whereabouts of Kolkata-based G. Maiti and his son S. Maiti, who are suspected to be linked to the alleged trafficking network, remain unclear. Officials have not yet revealed whether the duo is hiding somewhere in India or has managed to leave the country.
Several questions also remain unanswered over the Maiti family's hotel in Digha. The hotel has reportedly remained locked since Thursday, while investigators are probing what happened there on Monday night and why repeated checks were allegedly carried out at the premises before the hotel was locked.
Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and other possible clues. However, sources said the available footage has so far not provided enough evidence to establish the complete movement of the suspects.
One of the key questions being examined is whether a box containing the orangutan cubs was allegedly shifted from a white car parked in front of the hotel to a black Thar vehicle. The STF has not yet publicly confirmed the sequence.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the father-son duo may have escaped through routes leading towards Bangladesh or Nepal. However, their current whereabouts have not been officially confirmed.
Relative Questioned
The investigation has also expanded to another person linked to the Digha hotel. Kolkata Police reportedly found that Abhijit, a relative of G. Maiti, was a business partner in the hotel. He has subsequently been brought under the scope of the investigation.
Abhijit was reportedly brought from the Andul area of Howrah to Digha on Monday, following which the hotel premises were searched.
The West Bengal Police and STF have so far searched more than 50 hotels in Digha as part of the investigation.
DNA Tests of Five Cubs Soon
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for DNA testing of the five rescued orangutan cubs. The tests are expected to be conducted within the next one or two days.
A meeting of the members of a high-level technical committee was recently held virtually. Nandankanan Zoo Director Sanat Narayan reportedly briefed the committee members about the health condition of the cubs.
Members of the technical team are expected to visit Nandankanan soon. Following the DNA test results, experts will decide whether the cubs can be moved out of the isolation facility or should continue to remain there.
Health Condition Improves
According to the latest health bulletin issued by Nandankanan authorities, the overall health condition of all five orangutans has improved compared to the previous day.
One of the two female cubs had recorded a temperature of around 101 degrees Fahrenheit earlier, but her temperature has now come down to 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
All five cubs are reportedly taking food normally. The digestive condition of the two male cubs has also improved.
Following treatment with oral ofloxacin/metronidazole syrup, stool tests were conducted. The reports indicated a reduction in loose motion and the worm load.
While the investigation continues from Odisha to West Bengal, questions over the origin of the five orangutans and the alleged trafficking route remain unanswered.
At the same time, curiosity among visitors at Nandankanan is growing, with many eager to catch a glimpse of the rescued cubs. Wildlife experts have also urged the zoo authorities to name the orangutans at the earliest.
