Dasapalla, Aug 25: Some unknown persons are collecting peacock eggs from forest dwellers and smuggling it to other states at high prices, alleged Gambhariganda villagers under Mahanadi Wildlife Division in Nayagarh district.
The Satapuri and Sunehri hills under Mahanadi Wildlife Division are famous for presence of hundreds of peacocks which come to roads and human habitations searching food and locals protect them.
The locals alleged that some people are collecting eggs tracing out peacock egg laying places in deep forests. Some unknown persons are taking eggs from them at high prices and smuggling to other states.
It is reported that an inter-state peacock egg smuggling racket is active in the area and the eggs are being smuggled for practice of black magic.
However, Banigochha (West) forest division officials said they are not aware of the egg smuggling. We will keep a watch on the allegations made by locals, said an official.