Odisha Forest dept nabs wildlife smuggler, live pangolin rescued

The Forest Department officials on Friday seized a live pangolin from the possession of wildlife smugglers on Nabarangpur-Kusumi road under Raighar Forest Range.

The officials arrested a wildlife smuggler in this connection who has been identified as Sanjit Pulasika from Dumaguda village under Koraput’s Dasamantapur block. After arrest, Pulasika was brought to the Range Office for questioning.

As per reports, the officials intercepted a bike following a tip-off from reliable sources that a pangolin was being smuggled to neighbouring State.

The bike rider, however, fled the spot.

“We saw a man riding a pillion on the bike holding a pangolin. We followed the bike and intercepted it after some time. We found the pangolin in their possession and seized it,” said Raighar Ranger, Tanuja Kartik.

The Special Task Force (STF) on May 17 busted a racket involved in illegal wildlife trade by arresting two criminals from Sonepur. Two live Pangolins were also rescued from their possession.

The Indian pangolin (Manis Crassicaudata), also called the thick-tailed pangolin, is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection & offences under this are prescribed for the highest penalties.