Bhubaneswar: A team of Special Task Force (STF) and Sonepur Forest Division officials jointly apprehended two wildlife smugglers and rescued two live pangolins from their possession in Sonepur.
On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Sonepur Forest Division on Tuesday in between Nachhipura and Sonepur main road within Lachhipura PS of Sonepur district regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals.
Two wildlife criminals namely Bedabyasa Dharua (41) and Nabadeep Dharua (29) and both are brothers.
During search two Live Pangolins weighing 7 kg & 3 kg respectively along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.
The accused have been handed over to Sonepur Forest Official under Forest Division for necessary legal action at their end. The Live Pangolins were also handed over to DFO Sonepur for safe custody and an enquiry is underway, the STF said.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties. Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing.
