Bargarh, Feb 13: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Bargarh Forest Division and Bargarh district police on Monday evening in between Ambabhona-Dunguri road near Budhipalli Chhak under Ambabhona Police Station jurisdiction Dist. Bargarh regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals and arrested one wildlife crminal in this connection.
The wildlife criminal has been identified as Jagadish Minz (41) of Dunguri village under Ambabhona of Bargarh district.
During search one Live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which he has been apprehended. In this connection STF PS Case has been registered and the accused person will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Bargarh. The Live Pangolin has already been handed over to Forest Range Officer, Bhatali of Bargarh district for safe custody.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule- I provides absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties.
Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing.
