Balasore, Sept 11: The five orangutan cubs recently rescued in Odisha may have reached the state through an international wildlife-smuggling route via Thailand, Myanmar and Mizoram, rather than directly from Indonesia.
Preliminary investigation by the Crime Branch Special Task Force (STF) and Forest Department suggests the approximately one-year-old cubs may have been kept in Mizoram for several weeks and acclimatised to the climate of northeastern India before being transported to Odisha.
Authorities are now collecting evidence to establish the exact route and identify those involved. A team is likely to visit Mizoram soon, while Interpol assistance may be sought if international links are confirmed.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed serious concern and directed officials to conduct a detailed probe in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and other enforcement agencies. He said Odisha would not be allowed to become a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking and warned of strict action against those involved.
The WCCB has formed a four-member team from its Kolkata and Bhopal offices to assist in the investigation. Officials are examining the suspected Indonesia–Thailand–Myanmar–India trafficking corridor, which has reportedly been used in earlier wildlife-smuggling cases.
STF traces suspected vehicle
The STF has formed three teams to investigate the case. One is working at the recovery site in Bhogarai, while another is probing leads near the West Bengal border. The third team has travelled to Kolkata to trace a suspected Mahindra Thar allegedly linked to the operation.
Investigators have reportedly tracked the vehicle from the Chandaneswar–Bhushandapur route through NH-116(B), Sonapetya toll plaza and Kolaghat before it reached Kolkata. Hotel searches are also underway.
The STF is analysing mobile tower data and CCTV footage to identify people and vehicles present near the recovery site. Talasari Marine Police are also monitoring the coastal area with drones.
A case has been registered under Case No. 18/2026-27 at Jaleswar Range. The recovery site has been declared a restricted area, while the rescued orangutans are receiving necessary medical care and protection.
