Forest Department raids on a wildlife meat feast in Cuttack

A person was detained during a raid by the Forest Department while a feast featuring the hunting and cooking of a wildlife meat was underway at the Mahakalabasta Panchayat office under Athgarh block in Cuttack district on Tuesday.

As per reports, despite the ongoing Wildlife Week being observed by the Athgarh Forest Division, a group was allegedly engaged in cooking wildlife meat alongside liquor.

Upon receiving a tip-off, the Forest Department conducted a surprise raid at the Panchayat office. According to Athagarh Ranger, several individuals, including the Naib Sarpanch, fled the spot during the operation.

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The Forest Department has intensified its search to apprehend the remaining accused involved in the illegal hunting and feast. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

"Two main accused managed to escape. They are Naib Sarpanch-Ashok Raut, and another person, who was preparing the meat, is Arakhita Behera. One of the accused has been detained. He has been identified as Krupasindhu Raut. The wild animal, which is killed for meat, has not been identified yet," said Athagarh Ranger Sasmita Sahoo.