The Forest Wing of Odisha Vigilance seized one leopard (*Panthera pardus*) skin on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, during a surprise raid in the Udyanbandh Forest Range under Khariar Forest Division in Nuapada district.
Acting on what officials described as reliable information, the team detected a wildlife offence and recovered the skin. The accused, identified as Inyat Alli, a hunter from Kumuntimunda village under Kumna police station in Nuapada district, was arrested on the spot.
He has been booked for alleged violation of Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, an offence punishable under Section 51 of the Act. Section 9 prohibits the hunting of scheduled wild animals. The leopard is a protected species, and possession of its skin without lawful authority is a serious wildlife crime.
Officials said a wildlife case has been registered and the investigation is continuing. Further details, including the origin of the skin and whether others were involved, are yet to be made public.
