By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Bargarh Forest Division and Bargarh district police on12.02.2024 evening in between Ambabhona-Dunguri road near Budhipalli Chhakunder Ambabhona Police Station jurisdiction Dist. Bargarh regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of one wildlife criminals namely Jagadish Minz (41), S/o-Milu Minz, Vill/PO: Dunguri, PS-Ambabhona, Dist- Bargarh was apprehended.
During search one Live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. The accused person could notproduce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which he has been apprehended. In this connection STF PS Case No.06 dated 12.02.2024U/s 379/411 IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered and the accused person will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Bargarh.
The Live Pangolin has already been handed over to Forest Range Officer,Bhatali of Bargarh district 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 Protection act, 1972. Schedule- I provides absolute protection – offences underthese are prescribed for the highest penalties. Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing.
