Digapahandi: Forest officials of Digapahandi division have arrested owner of an auto-rickshaw after venison weighing 175 kgs and its hide was found inside the vehicle on Friday.
Deputy ranger Kanhu Charan Patnaik said the arrested person belongs to Chikiti Nuagaon. Nuapada forester Santosh Kumar Mallik, forest guard Taruneswar Sabar and other staff while conducting patrolling intercepted the auto near Nuapada college square as it was speeding away.
Forest officials said the deer was a female one and belongs to wildlife schedule-3 species. A case was registered under the wildlife act.
Official sources said the accused had purchased the venison from the local market and was trying to sell it to new year revellers. The venison has been sent for examination by the local VAS, the officials said.