Nabarangpur Forest Officials Seize Royal Bengal Tiger Skin, Pastor Arrested
In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Forest Department officials in Nabarangpur seized a Royal Bengal Tiger skin during an undercover operation in Patri Reserve Forest under Dabugaon Range.
Acting on intelligence inputs, a special team led by ACF Subash Chandra Khuntia and Range Officer Ramachandra Bhatra posed as buyers to trap the suspects.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Shibun Takri, a pastor from Patra village, while two of his associates managed to escape.
Officials recovered the tiger skin, reportedly stitched and valued at Rs 10 lakh, along with a motorcycle used in the crime.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, and authorities are investigating the source of the skin while pursuing the absconding suspects.
The seizure highlights the Forest Department’s intensified efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade in Odisha.
