By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Khurda Forest Officials on Friday morning near Khurda Jatni bypass under Khordha Town PS Dist. Khordha regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of which three wildlife criminals namely 1) Sadhucharan Mohanty S/o. Alekh Mohanty of Muliabanka PO: Gadapokhari PS. Badamba Dist. Cuttack , 2) Kasti Kadraka S/o. Iliga Kadaraka of B Narayanpur PS. Chandili Dist. Rayagada and 3) Bijaya Kumar Parida S/o. Baikuntha Parida of Bangar Singha PS. Badamba Dist. Cuttack were apprehended.
During search one Live Pangolin and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of possession of such live Pangolin, for which they have been arrested and will be forwarded to the court of SDJM, Khordha. In this connection STF PS Case No.28 dated 02.12.2022 U/s379/411/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was registered. The Live Pangolin handed over to DFO , Khordha 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, 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.
