Rayagada Forest Officials Seize Tiger Skin, Eight Arrested in Joint Operation

Rayagada: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Forest Department seized a tiger skin during a raid at Rivalkona under the Kalyansinghpur range in Rayagada district.

Eight individuals were arrested in connection with the illegal trade, including five from Rayagada and three from Kalahandi.

Acting on intelligence received two days earlier, officials laid a trap near Rivalkona Square where the suspects had gathered to finalise a deal.

The operation, led by Rayagada DFO Sachin Annasaheb Ohol with support from Kalahandi forest staff, resulted in the recovery of the tiger skin, a motorcycle, and mobile phones.

Preliminary investigation suggests the tiger was hunted two to four months ago in a forest near Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi.

The skin was transported to Rayagada for sale. Authorities are now probing deeper to uncover the wider network behind the illegal wildlife trade.

This successful raid highlights the Forest Department’s commitment to curbing poaching and protecting endangered species in Odisha.