Leopard skin seizure in Ganjam: Son arrested after father

In connection with the recent seizure of a leopard skin at Bhanjanagar in Ganjam, the Forest Department has now arrested the son of the accused on Tuesday, following the father’s earlier arrest. 

The arrested individual has been identified as Shuka Mallick, who is the son of Chitra Mallick. Along with Shuka, his associate Lilu Mallick has also been arrested.

Acting on information provided by one of the earlier arrested individuals, forest officials conducted a raid in Guchhaguda village under the Chandragiri forest range in Gajapati district.

During the raid, the Forest Department seized four tiger teeth, four traps, and a bow with arrows. Along with the recovery, officials arrested Shuka and his associate Lilu.

With these arrests, the total number of people held in connection with the Bhanjanagar leopard skin case has risen to nine, seven earlier and two more now. 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized skin and teeth of the leopard belonged to a single tiger. 

Must Read: Retired Odisha Police officer among 7 arrested for leopard skin smuggling

Earlier a couple of days back, forest officials had busted a leopard skin smuggling racket in Ganjam district and arrested as many as seven persons, including a retired police sub-inspector.

During the raid, officials had seized the skin of a full-grown leopard, sharp weapons, and mobile phones, and detained three persons on the spot.

According to sources, the accused had planned to sell the skin in the international black market for several lakhs of rupees.