The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch has questioned more than 40 people from Odisha and West Bengal as part of its investigation into the alleged smuggling of five infant orangutans rescued from a protected area in Balasore district.
Investigators are particularly focusing on a black Thar SUV spotted near Bichitrapur forest on Monday night, hours before the five orangutans were rescued by forest officials.
The STF is also examining CCTV footage to trace the movement of three to four other vehicles that were reportedly in the area that night. However, the absence of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras along roads in Balasore and adjoining areas of West Bengal has made it difficult to identify the suspected vehicle.
STF Registers Formal Case
Acting on the direction of DGP in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra, the STF registered a formal case in connection with the matter on Friday.
Mishra said no one had been detained so far. He said the case was registered following a communication from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, who sought an STF inquiry.
“We will go wherever necessary as part of the investigation. The details are expected to become clear after the STF completes its investigation,” Mishra said.
The STF is now working to establish the route through which the orangutans were brought to Odisha, identify those involved and determine the purpose for bringing the animals into the state.
WCCB Team Joins Probe
A four-member team of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has also joined the investigation, officials from the Forest department’s wildlife wing said.
The team is assisting and guiding forest and police officials to ensure a thorough investigation into the suspected wildlife trafficking case.
Orangutan Infants Under Surveillance
Meanwhile, the five rescued orangutan infants have been shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), where authorities have intensified health surveillance.
Jha said all five infants were active and their body temperatures and other health parameters were being monitored at regular intervals.
“The zoo has experience in keeping orangutans and is also in touch with experts from Mysuru and other zoos to ensure proper care of the infants,” he said.
Jha declined to comment on reports that Indonesia had offered assistance in returning the orangutans if genetic testing establishes that they originated from the country.
He said the immediate priority was the health of the animals, all of whom are less than one year old.
“The health of the orangutan infants, all of whom are less than one year old, is the first priority,” Jha said.
