Keonjhar police and the Patna Forest Division in Odisha apprehended two individuals involved in the illegal possession and trade of ivory.
Acting on a credible tip-off, the joint team conducted a late-night raid near Erendei village under the Maliposhi beat range.
During the operation, one Madan Mohan Tamudia (38) of Erendei village was caught carrying a suspicious white bag. A search revealed two elephant tusks, followed by the recovery of a third, with the total ivory weighing approximately 2.8 kg.
The tusks were allegedly supplied by Ratha Soren of Hadagada village during the Raja festival season earlier this year. Authorities have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), citing violations across sections 2(16), 2(31), 9, 39(3), 44, 49A, and 49B. The offenders have been booked under O.R. Case No. 40/2025–26.
This successful operation marks another step in curbing the underground ivory trade in Odisha and reinforces the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and forest authorities.
