STF action, two caught with leopard skin

Bhubaneswar: In Odisha, the Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended two criminals and confiscated two leopard skins during a raid in the Rayagada district. The individuals in question have been identified as Bikram Majhi and Raja Majhi, both residing in the Chandrapur area of Rayagada.

Acting on intelligence information, an STF team conducted a raid at Tamparbiduni Chowk within the jurisdiction of Chandili police limits. They apprehended two criminals who were awaiting a customer to whom they intended to hand over the leopard skins. During the search, STF personnel discovered two leopard skins and additional incriminating materials in their possession. The accused were unable to produce any documentation authorizing them to possess the leopard skins.

Consequently, the individuals have been arrested, and the case will be presented in the court of the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) in Raigarh. Charges have been registered in this matter under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Additionally, the confiscated skins will be sent to the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for further examination.