Leopard Skin Seized, Five Arrested in Nabarangpur
Nabarangpur, April 13: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Forest Department arrested five individuals and seized a leopard skin during a raid in the Dabugaon area of Nabarangpur district.
Officials intercepted the suspects in the Chikili forest while they were travelling on two motorcycles carrying the leopard skin.
The arrested persons have been identified as Arjun Harijan (30), Shiv Kalar (38), Baichandra Mangli (49), Kedarnath Bisoi (42), and Mihir Harijan (25).
The operation was led by Range Officer Shubhendu Prasad Behera, supported by forest staff. Authorities suspect the group intended to smuggle the skin to other regions.
Divisional Forest Officer Ram Chandra Bhatra stated that intensified raids will continue, stressing the importance of protecting endangered species.
Local residents have lauded the Forest Department’s swift action against illegal wildlife trafficking.