In a significant victory against wildlife poaching, the Khariar Forest Division in Odisha’s Nuapada district has seized two leopard skins and one sambar deer horn while apprehending six individuals involved in the illegal trade.
According to forest department sources, officials received a tip-off about a leopard skin being held in Sardhapur village under Boden block. Acting swiftly, a team raided the location and detained four suspects who were in possession of the skin. During interrogation, the accused revealed details about another leopard skin stored in Dharmabandha under Nuapada block. A follow-up raid led to the seizure of the second skin and the arrest of two more individuals.
In addition to the leopard skins, authorities also confiscated one sambar deer horn from the suspects. The seized items are believed to be part of an illicit network trading in protected wildlife parts, which are highly valued in black markets for traditional medicine and ornaments.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dinesh Majhi, Muktaram Chinda, and Purna Chandra Chinda from Sardhapur village in Boden area; Madhusudan Majhi from Rundi village under Boden police station; and Gajanana Sahu and Mahesh Sahu from Patalghutukuri village under Dharmabandha police station. All six have been forwarded to court for further legal proceedings under wildlife protection laws.
The operation was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Prasanjit Naik and forest officer MM Saliha, with support from the Khariar Forest Range team. Officials emphasised that such raids are crucial for preserving endangered species like leopards and sambar deer, which face severe threats from poaching and habitat loss in Odisha’s forests.
This bust comes amid growing concerns over wildlife crimes in the state, with forest departments ramping up surveillance and community awareness programs to deter illegal activities. Further investigations are underway to uncover any larger syndicates involved.
