STF rescues pangolin, two wildlife smugglers arrested
Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch of Odisha Police on Saturday arrested two wildlife smugglers and rescued a live pangolin from them.
The arrested persons have been identified as Samson Raita (45) of Gajapati district and Asmeen Sabar (28) of Rayagada district.
Based on credible information, a team of STF today conducted a raid near Akhusingi Chowk on NH- 326 (Berahampur-Rayagada).
Regarding transaction/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals under Padampur police limits of Rayagada district.
During the search, other incriminating material including a live pangolin was recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of the possession of live pangolins for which they were apprehended.
Section 51 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered in this regard and the accused person will be sent to the court of SDJM, Gunupur. The live pangolin was also handed over to DFO for safe custody.
Investigation is going on.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrasicaudata), also known as the thick-tailed pangolin, is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a Schedule-I protected animal under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Schedule I provides complete protection, with the highest punishment prescribed for offenses under it.
Special campaign is going on against wildlife criminals/poachers.
