Leopard Skin Smuggling Foiled in Kandhamal, One Arrested

Baliguda, Kandhamal: In a joint operation, the Forest Department and local police foiled a leopard skin smuggling attempt near the Baliguda bus stand.

Authorities arrested Uttam Majhi of Ratanga village and seized two leopard hides from his possession.

Investigations revealed Majhi acted as a middleman, sourcing skins from poachers to sell to buyers.

The raid, led by Baliguda ACF Arun Kumar Sahu with support from multiple forest ranges, resulted in a case registered under Sections 39(B), 48(A), and 49(B) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

A special team has been formed to trace the origin of the hides, identify poachers, and track potential buyers.

Forest officials emphasised strict action against all individuals linked to the trafficking network, underscoring Odisha’s commitment to wildlife protection