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In a joint crackdown, personnel from the Baliguda Forest Division and the Special Task Force (STF) rescued a live Pangolin at Jakikia village under Baliguda block in Kandhamal district on Thursday.
Two wildlife smugglers have been arrested in this connection. They have been identified as Sibananda Mallick from Sudra area and Rashtra Bhoi from Barkhamar.
On the basis of reliable information, the joint team conducted a raid at Jakikia village when the smugglers were making a deal to sell the animal in the market. The accused were caught red-handed, said officials.
The live wild animal, weighing around 11kg, and other incriminating materials were seized from the possession of the smugglers.
Both the accused have been handed over to the Baliguda Forest officials for necessary legal actions. The live Pangolin has also been handed over to Baliguda District Forest Officer (DFO) for safe custody.
“The accused are being questioned and further investigation into the case is underway,” said a STF official.
Notably, in the last one year, the STF has seized as many as 20 leopard skins, 11 elephant tusks, two deer skins, seven live pangolins and 15 kg pangolin scales in a special drive against the wildlife criminals. As many as 45 smugglers have been arrested in this
connection so far.
