Ivory sale foiled in Odisha, tusks seized, 3 arrested

In a major action against wildlife crime, the Odisha Forest Department seized two elephant tusks and arrested three individuals during a raid in the Champua area of Keonjhar district. The operation was launched after officials received a tip-off about an illegal plan to sell ivory near the Fagu bridge, close to an orchard.

Raid Conducted During Alleged Ivory Sale Attempt

According to officials, the suspects had assembled near the orchard and were reportedly waiting for potential buyers. Acting on reliable information, a Forest Department team swiftly reached the spot and carried out a surprise raid. The team managed to seize two elephant tusks from the accused, effectively foiling the attempted illegal sale.

“During the raid, we recovered two elephant tusks found in the illegal possession of two individuals. We also seized two motorcycles and three mobile phones. Those involved have been identified as Kailash Giriria from Dhenkanal, Guru Charan Karai from Jharkhand, and Amishra Munda from Balabhadrapur, Ukhunda. The tusks weigh 7.5 kg and 6.8 kg respectively,” said H. D. Dhanaraj, DFO, Keonjhar.

Also Read: STF nabs two ivory traders, 5kg elephant tusks seized

Three Persons Taken into Custody

Three individuals involved in the ivory trade plan were arrested on the spot. Forest officials stated that the seized tusks are suspected to have been obtained through illegal poaching, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network behind the wildlife trafficking attempt.

The operation highlights the Forest Department’s continued efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. With the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the tusks, authorities are hopeful that the investigation will help dismantle broader poaching links operating in the region.