Pangolin smuggling racket busted in Nabrangpur, 2 arrested

Nabrangpur: Intensifying its crackdown on illegal smuggling of wild animals, Maidalpur forest department officials arrested two persons involved in a racket and rescued a Pangolin from their possession. The accused have been identified as Raisingh Jani and Bhim Jani.

According to sources, one Prakash Thauki along with his two other associates had captured a Pangolin from Dangariguda forest in the district. Later, they were planning to sale the animal with two other smugglers of neighboring Chhattisgarh.

The Maidalpur forest department officials received information about the smuggling and conducted a raid at a house where the deal was underway. However, three other members involved in the racket managed to flee the spot.

Later, Maidalpur forest department handed Raisingh and Bhim to Dabugaon Forest department for further investigation. The duo has been forwarded to the court, added sources.

Meanwhile, Maidalpur forest department has launched a manhunt to nab the other members of the racket.