Rashmi Ranjan

Bhanjanagar: The Forest officials on Sunday arrested six persons on charges of laying trap to capture wild boars which led to the death of a leopard in Naguda-Manitara area under Buguda forest range in Ganjam district a few days ago.

According to sources, while three persons were arrested from Nugudu village, the other three were apprehended from Pankal Sahi.

Earlier on Friday, the State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) had ordered a probe into the death of the leopard which died hours after it was rescued from the boar trap.

Following the death of the animal, the PCCF directed Berhampur Regional Chief Conservator of Forests to launch a probe into the matter and submit a report mentioning the circumstances under which the big cat died.

Notably on Thursday, the leopard was found stuck in a trap purportedly laid to capture wild boars in Naguda-Manitara area. During the rescue operation by the forest officials, the animal broke the trap and escaped triggering panic among the locals.

Veterinarians examined the health condition of the rescued animal. However, it died inside the cage while being taken to a nearby forest for release into the wild, informed Buguda forest ranger.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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