Balasore, Sept 15: A possible Bangladesh link has emerged in the investigation into the rescue of five orangutan cubs from Odisha’s Bichitrapur forest, with the STF and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) continuing their probe into their origin and suspected trafficking network.
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According to information from reliable sources, the five orangutan cubs were allegedly brought from Bangladesh, where a breeding female orangutan was reportedly being kept by an unidentified person. The cubs were allegedly transported to Odisha by ship and brought through Dhamra to Bhadrak.
Sources further claimed that the cubs were subsequently taken from Bhadrak to Kolkata, where various tests were reportedly conducted. The plan was allegedly to transport them to Visakhapatnam and from there move them to other states.
Also Read: Orangutan in Odisha: STF yet to trace Kolkata father-son duo, over 50 digha hotels searched
Investigators are also examining why the cubs were not transported directly to Visakhapatnam by sea. According to the information, the route would have involved passing through Gopalpur, where security and checking arrangements, including those around INS Chilika, could have increased the risk of detection.
Also Read: Odisha Govt Forms Technical Panel for Welfare of Five Rescued Orangutans
As a result, the alleged traffickers reportedly opted for a road route from Kolkata to Visakhapatnam. The cubs were allegedly being transported in a Thar vehicle when they reportedly behaved in a manner that created difficulties for those carrying them.
The people transporting them allegedly abandoned the cubs in a forested area of Balasore, from where they were later rescued.
The latest information has raised concerns over a possible international wildlife trafficking racket operating across borders. However, the Bangladesh link and other details are yet to be officially established.
The STF and WCCB are continuing their investigation to determine where the orangutans came from, who transported them and who was behind the suspected trafficking operation. Further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses
Also Read: “Digha hotel was the deal spot!” STF tracks ₹1 Crore Orangutan sale trail
