Khordha: The team of Special Task Force of Khordha district has seized one leopard skin and arrested one dealer in this connection. The arrested dealer has been identified as Ratnakar Sahoo son of Raghunath Sahoo of Padmapur village under Banapur police limits.
Based on a reliable information regarding a deal to sell the leopard skin, the team of STF conducted a raid by the roadside near Gambharimunda village under Banapur police limits and apprehended Ratnakar Sahoo from the spot.
During search, one leopard skin and other incriminating materials were seized from his possession. The accused person could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of leopard skin. Hence, he has been arrested and will be forwarded to the Court.
A case has been registered under sections 379/411/120(B) Indian Penal Code r/w. 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized leopard skin will be sent to Wild Life Institute of India, Deharadun for chemical examination, said reports.
Since 2020, Special drive against the wildlife criminals/ poachers have been launched. STF has seized as many as 22 numbers of leopard skins, 12 numbers of elephant tasks, 7 numbers of deer skins, 8 numbers of live pangolin and 15 kg pangolin scales with arrest of as many as 51 numbers of wildlife criminals.
Ms Kalinga