Leopard Skin Seized in Bhubaneswar, Three Arrested in Wildlife Crime Crackdown
Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: In a decisive move against illegal wildlife trade, the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of Bhubaneswar police apprehended three individuals involved in a leopard skin trafficking operation.
Acting on credible intelligence, the SCU team led by DCP Anup Kanungo conducted a raid near Hotel Mayfair Basti on November 2 around 5:00 PM.
The operation resulted in the seizure of one leopard skin and the arrest of three accused—Rohit Mohapatra (26) of Dumduma, Manjit Sabat (21) of Bhanjanagar, and Sambhu Bisoy (23) of Gandamunda. All three were caught red-handed while attempting to trade the protected wildlife item.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused have been engaged in illegal wildlife activities for an extended period. They were forwarded to court on November 3, and legal proceedings have been initiated under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Authorities are now probing the wider network and criminal antecedents of the trio. The seizure underscores the persistent threat to India’s biodiversity and the need for vigilant enforcement against wildlife crimes.
