Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch on Wednesday apprehended a wildlife contraband smuggler and seized a leopard hide from his possession.
The arrested man has been identified as Pabitra Lima, a native of Khamari Sahi under R Udaygiri police station limits in Gajapati district.
As per reports, a joint team of the STF and Ramgiri Forest Range personnel laid a trap near Mahendragarh and caught Lima while he was on the move with the leopard skin.
The seized leopard hide will be sent to Wildlife Institute of India, Deharadun for examination. Further inquiry, in this case, is underway, the STF informed.
STF, with the help of Ramgiri forest officials of Gajapati district, seized one illegal leopard hide near Mahendragadh, R Udaygiri. One accused was arrested.
Further investigation is on. @odisha_police @CIDOdisha pic.twitter.com/f854aQmBEe— STF (@OdishapoliceStf) March 2, 2022