The Malkangiri Forest Department seized 352 pangolin scales weighing nearly 2 kilograms during a joint operation by the Malkangiri and Mathili range teams.
The raid was conducted on the Padmagiri–Pandripani road following reliable intelligence about illegal hunting and trade of pangolin parts.
Officials also confiscated three vehicles used in the smuggling and arrested six accused involved in the illegal possession and trade. Pangolins are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), making hunting, possession, and trade of the species a serious offence with stringent legal consequences.
A wildlife crime case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Act. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the source of the seized scales and identify other individuals linked to the illegal trade.
Malkangiri DFO Sai Kiran DN emphasised the department’s commitment to protecting wildlife and taking strict action against poaching and trafficking networks.
