The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch arrested a wildlife criminal following raid at the Bhawanipatna forest division in Kalahandi district.
The accused has been identified as Kailash Majhi of Gunupur under Narla police limits. One leopard skin was also recovered from his possession.
As per STF, the wildlife criminal was arrested with the assistance of local Bhawanipatna forest officials.
Based on reliable information, a team of STF nabbed the offender near Satpur Chowk on the Bhawanipatna –Rayagada State Highway under Bhawanipatna Wildlife North Range. He was about to strike a deal to dispose of the skin when the STF arrested him, said officials.
The man was arrested as he could not produce any authority in support of the possession of the leopard skin, for which he has been handed over to Bhawanipatna forest officials for necessary legal action, added the official.
Poaching of leopards, a Schedule I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that provides for absolute protection of the animals, has gone up in the State, posing threat to the protected wildlife species.
During the last two years, the STF has intensified its special drive against wildlife criminals and poachers and seized as many as 31 leopard skins and arrested 43 persons in this connection.