Acting on credible intelligence, the Special Crime Unit (SCU) led by DCP Anup Kanungo conducted a raid near Hotel Mayfair Basti in Bhubaneswar on November 2 around 5:00 PM.
The operation targeted a clandestine deal involving leopard skin.
During the raid, the team apprehended three individuals red-handed while attempting to trade the illegal wildlife product. Authorities seized one leopard skin from their exclusive possession.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Rohit Mohapatra (26), son of Rajendra Kumar Mohapatra, resident of Panchasakha Nagar, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar (PS: Khandagiri, Dist: Khordha)
- Manjit Sabat (21), son of Madhusudan Sabat, resident of Bhanjanagar (PS: Bhanjanagar, Dist: Ganjam)
- Sambhu Bisoy (23), son of Prafulla Bisoy, resident of Gandamunda, Bhaktamadhpunagar Lane 6, Bhubaneswar (PS: Khandagiri, Dist: Khordha)
Preliminary investigation revealed that Rohit Mohapatra and his associates have been involved in illegal wildlife trade for a considerable period. All three were arrested and forwarded to court on November 3.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Authorities are verifying the criminal antecedents and network of the accused. Further investigation is underway.
This seizure highlights the ongoing threat to wildlife and the importance of vigilant enforcement against illegal trade.
