Leopard Skin, 164 Pangolin Scales Seized in Nayagarh; Mother-Son Duo Arrested
Nayagarh, April 16: The Odisha Forest Department has seized a leopard skin and 164 pangolin scales in a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking in Kujamendi village under Daspalla Range.
Officials arrested Jyotsna Rani Mallik and her son Pradeep Mallik, suspected of being part of an organised racket. Another accused remains absconding.
Preliminary investigation suggests the leopard skin originated from Phulbani, while pangolins were allegedly killed in Daspalla to obtain the scales.
Authorities stressed that the seizure highlights the grave threat to endangered species and reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement against poaching and illegal trade.
