The Forest Department seized a leopard skin and arrested an accused in Jamuna Pali village under Khaprakhol block, Balangir.
The accused has been identified as Kailash Kathar.
Acting on a tip-off, Khaprakhol Forester Sudhir Kumar Jena received information about the illegal sale of leopard skin to other states. He alerted Bolangir Deputy Ranger Sunil Kumar Mishra, and a coordinated raid was planned.
On Friday, a team led by Jena and Mishra, along with other forest officials, conducted a surprise raid at the residence of Kailash Kathar in Jamuna Pali village. The operation involved four vehicles and a team of forest guards. During the raid, a leopard skin measuring 4 feet 8 inches in length and 1 foot 8 inches in width was seized. The accused, Kailash Kathar, was taken into custody and brought to Khaprakhol for further investigation.
The Forest Department has announced that the accused will be forwarded to court on Saturday. This operation highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife poaching in the Maoist-affected region and the Forest Department’s commitment to curbing such illegal activities.
