Odisha Pangolin Smuggling Racket Has Goa Links!

Bhubaneswar/Athagarh: In what could be a major breakthrough, the forest department officials have managed to extract vital information with regard to smuggling of pangolins, during interrogation of arrested wildlife smuggler Madhab Patra. While the earlier apprehensions pointed at international trade, the latest development suggests that the pangolin smuggling racket in Odisha has links with smugglers in Goa.

Patra, a member of ‘Sasura-Jwain’ gang who was nabbed from Narasinghpur area of Cuttack district, revealed that they used to catch pangolins from Satkosia and then smuggle it to various parts of Odisha. It was found that the smugglers used code words to execute the operation. He also narrated how he created his empire with the help of his accomplices from Dhenkanal, Narasinghapur and Nayagarh.

This apart, it was also found that Patra played an active role in ivory tusk smuggling and fake currency rackets.

"We could elicit more information regarding the pangolin smuggling after Patra was brought on remand. He has named some 10 gang members, and one of them happens to be a resident of Goa. We've expedited investigation and launched a manhunt as all the accused are on the run. We have also sought the help of police in this case," said Athagarh DFO Sasmita Lenka.

Pangolins or the scaly anteaters have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin and are the only known mammals with this feature. They now fall under the endangered species list.