Mayurbhanj: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha crime branch have seized one leopard skin near Chatani Bus Stop at Rairangapur Forest Division in Mayurbhanj district under Bisoi police limits and have apprehended two persons in this connection.
The apprehended persons have been identified as Ajit Kumar Giri, son of Late Muralidhar Giri of Palas Bani and Chandrakant Kurji, son of Late Shyam Kurji of Jagularghara.
On basis of reliable information about a deal of sale of leopard skin by Manada Forest Range officials conducted a raid near Chatani Bus Stop at Rairangapur Forest Divisio.
During search, one leopard skin and other incriminating materials were seized from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of leopard skin. Hence, they have been detained and handed over to Rairangapur forest officials for necessary legal action at their end.
Further investigation is underway.
During last one year, a special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers have been launched, STF has seized as many as 19 nos Leopard skin, 10 nos Elephant Tusk, 02 deer skin, 05 live pangolin and 15 kg pangolin scales and arrested 39 wild life criminals.
STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb the organized crime in the State. The wildlife crimes remain the one of the focus area of STF and STF will continue its drive against the wildlife crime and criminals.
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Ms Kalinga