STF rescues Pangolin, arrests two wildlife smugglers in Rayagada
The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police's crime branch has arrested two wildlife smugglers and have rescued a live pangolin from them
Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police’s crime branch has arrested two wildlife smugglers and have rescued a live pangolin from them on Saturday.
The arrested person have been identified as Samsan Raita (45) of Gajapati district and Asmin Sabar (28) of Rayagada district.
On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid today on NH- 326 (Berhampur-Rayagada) near Akhusingi Chowk
under Padampur police limits of Raygada district regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals.
During the search one live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which they have been apprehended.
In this connection, Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered and the accused person will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Gunupur. The Live Pangolin also handed over to DFO, for safe custody.
Investigation is going on.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin is a solitary, shy, slowmoving, 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.
Ms Kalinga