Baripada: Three wildlife smugglers were arrested in connection with the seizure of four leopard skins at Bahalada village under Khunta police station of Baripada Forest Division on Sunday. One of the accused, Rupay Marandi of the Bangriposhi area, who was admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital last night after complaining of chest pain, managed to escape from the hospital last night.
According to reports, the Baripada range staff admitted him to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College& Hospital for treatment. But Rupay, who was undergoing treatment in the hospital, managed to give a slip.
Another case has been registered in this connection and the search for the accused Rupay is on, sources said.
On the other hand, another accused, who had fled during a raid on Sunday has been arrested by the forest department. The arrested accused is identified as Meghray Murmu (65) of Rugdihi village under Bisoi police station. Meghray was involved in the incident of poaching and selling leopard skins.
Baripada Forest Division officer Satya Joshi has sought an explanation from Baripada ranger Lakshmidhar Behera to clarify under which circumstance the accused fled from custody.
Forest department officials on Sunday conducted a raid at Bahalada village situated in the foothills of Similipal tiger reserve and seized four leopard skins while arresting three wildlife smugglers.
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