Leopard skin seized in Odisha, two wildlife smugglers arrested

In a significant crackdown, the forest department officials seized a leopard skin and arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the wildlife crime in Pukulingia village under G Udaygiri forest range of Kandhamal district.

The arrested persons have been identified as Pramod Pradhan and Bhawani Shankar Pradhan, both residents of Pukulingia village. 
Addressing a press meet, Phulbani DFO Prashant Patel on Saturday informed about the department’s success. 

As per the DFO, the department had been tipped off that the accused duo were involved in poaching in Kalinga forest and were trying to sell a leopard’s hide. 

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Taking the input seriously, G Udaygiri Forest Range formed a special team. It first nabbed Bhawani Shankar Pradhan then apprehended Pramod Pradhan. 

During interrogation, the team seized a leopard skin, a country-made rifle, a knife and other articles used in poaching wild animals were seized, leading to their arrest under the Wildlife Protection Act. 

“Our further investigation is underway to trace their other team members. As of now, our enforcement measures are being carried out properly. Besides night patrolling, we have our persons in inaccessible areas as well,” said DFO Patel.  
The accused duo was produced in a court. 

The possession of tiger and leopard skins, considered illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, is a serious offence in India. 

The Kandhamal district is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered species. The forest department remains vigilant in its efforts to protect these creatures from poaching and trafficking.