Kandhamal, Odisha – April 22, 2025
Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) intensified its fight against illegal wildlife trafficking with a successful raid along the Phubani-Baliguda road in Kandhamal district. Acting on intelligence, officials arrested two suspects, Pradip Mallick (35) and Gutusha Pradhan (56), both residents of Budruma, Kandhamal.
The raid, conducted on April 21, resulted in the seizure of a leopard skin, a prized possession in the underground trade of exotic wildlife products. The accused failed to provide legal documentation for their possession, leading authorities to take swift action.
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Officials have confirmed that the seized leopard skin will undergo biological examination at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
Odisha has been witnessing strengthened efforts to curb wildlife crimes, as authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities concerning endangered species. With this latest crackdown, the STF continues its commitment to protecting India’s rich biodiversity.
