A joint operation by the Forest Department and local police foiled a wildlife trafficking attempt near the Baliguda bus stand, resulting in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of two leopard hides.
The suspect has been identified as Uttam Majhi from Ratanga village under the Phiringia police jurisdiction. Acting upon specific intelligence regarding illegal wildlife trade in the region, a team conducted a search operation at the bus stand, intercepting Majhi under suspicious circumstances before recovering the hides from his possession.
Inter-State and Local Links Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations overseen by Baliguda Division Forest Officer (DFO) Ghanashyam Mahanta indicate that the suspect was transporting the hides to sell them to prospective buyers within the state. DFO Mahanta noted that Majhi was not the poacher himself, but had acquired the leopard skins from poachers to act as a middleman.
The joint raid was conducted under the leadership of Baliguda Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Arun Kumar Sahu, along with the Baliguda Range Officer and staff from the K. Nuagaon, Kotagarh, Tumudibandha, and Brahmunigaon ranges.
Legal Action and Probe
A case (No. 43/2026-27) has been registered at the Baliguda Range Office under Sections 39(B), 48(A), and 49(B) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
A specialised team has been deployed to trace the origin of the hides, identify the poachers involved, and expose the intended buyers. Forest officials emphasised that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals linked to the poaching and trafficking operation.
