Odisha Forest Officials Rescue Pangolin from Traffickers
Nabarangpur: Forest officials in Nabarangpur district successfully foiled a pangolin trafficking attempt near Dashpur village forest.
Acting on a tip‑off, a team led by Range Officer Gopinath Sahu intercepted two men — Biswanath Mali of Maliguda village and Gangadhar Gadba of Dumuriguda village — while they were negotiating the sale of a pangolin.
The endangered animal was found inside a bag, and the accused had planned to sell it for Rs 4 lakh.
While potential buyers managed to escape during the raid, officials seized the pangolin and two motorcycles used in the crime.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Divisional Forest Officer Udayan Subuddhi, with support from forest staff and guards.
The accused were produced in court, and Sub‑Divisional Forest Officer Subash Chandra Khuntia has been appointed as the Investigating Officer.
Authorities confirmed that the pangolin will undergo a health check before being released into a safe forest habitat.
The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Odisha’s forest department to curb wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
