By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted raid with the help of Forest Officials of Sonepur Forest Division on 16.05.2023 in between Nachhipura and Sonepur main road under Lachhipura Police limits of Sonepur district regarding dealing and possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of two wildlife criminals namely Bedabyasa Dharua, 41 Years and Nabadeep Dharua, 29 Years both are S/o Duryodhan Dharua, of Jhankarpali, at Rengali , under Lachhipur PS in Sonepur were apprehended.
During search two numbers Live Pangolin weighing 7 kg and 3 kg respectively along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolins, for which they have been detained and handed over to Sonepur Forest Official under Forest Division for necessary legal action at their end. The Live Pangolins also handed over to DFO Sonepur for safe custody.
Enquiry 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.
