Nilgiri, Dec 26:The Forest Department has arrested three more accused in connection with an ivory trafficking case linked to the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Nilgiri of Balasore district. Three elephant tusks were seized during the operation. With these arrests, the total number of poachers and traders apprehended in the case has risen to 25.

The case came to light following the discovery that smugglers had dug up the decomposed carcass of an elephant buried underground inside the sanctuary to extract ivory. Investigations revealed an organized network involved in illegal ivory trade within the protected forest area.

Earlier, about two weeks ago, three poachers were arrested with the help of AI-enabled cameras. A dead deer, a wild mouse, and a firearm were seized from their possession. Subsequent analysis of their phone records led forest officials to uncover the wider ivory trafficking racket.

According to investigating officer ACF Shobhan Diganta Chand, the accused were involved in digging up buried elephant bones and polishing them to produce ivory products. The Forest Department continues its investigation to identify and apprehend others linked to the illegal trade.