Forest officials detained three persons and seized a leopard skin near Nunpani village under the Kodinga range of Nabarangpur district on Friday.
The detainees, identified as two sellers and one buyer, are residents of the Jharigan block. Acting on a tip-off, a special team of forest officials intercepted the group and recovered the leopard skin. Reports suggest the accused were allegedly planning to sell it for around Rs 5 lakh.
The Forest Department immediately took all three into custody and launched a detailed investigation. Officials are working to trace the origin of the leopard skin and determine whether it is linked to poaching or illegal wildlife trade networks.
Authorities confirmed that further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe. The incident highlights the continuing challenges of wildlife crime in Odisha and the need for strict enforcement to protect endangered species.
