By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Bolangir Forest Division on 29.09.2023 evening near Bidighat Chhaka under Deogaon P.S of Bolangir District regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of one wildlife criminal namely Sebak Dharua S/o Purna Chandrda Dharua of Village:Kalijharan, PO: Bidighat, PS: Deogaon, District: Bolangir was apprehended.
During search one Live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which he has been apprehended.
In this connection STF PS Case No.22 dated 29.09.2023 U/s379/411 IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered andthe accused person will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, , Bolangir. The Live Pangolin also handed over to DFO, Bolangir for safe custody. Investigation is going on.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta ‘ବଜ୍ରକାପ୍ତା’ in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protectionact, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties. Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing.
