By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of reliable information, a team of Odisha Police CID-CB STF conducted raid witht he help of Forest Officials of Bargarh Forest Division on 01.04.2023 evening near Bijadihi Chhaka under Padmapur Police Station of Bargarh District regarding dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals, as a result of one wildlife criminal namely Mahadev Mutkia S/O Jibardhan Mutkia · of village, Gandapalli, PO: Polsoda, PS: Paikamal, Baragarh District was apprehended.
During search one Live Pangolin weighing 12 kg along with other incriminating materials was recovered from his possession.
The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin,for which he was detained and handed over to Padmapur Forest Officials under Baragarh Forest Division for necessary legal action at their end. The Live Pangolins also handed over to DFO Bargarh 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 areprescribed for the highest penalties.
