Bhubaneswar: A team of Special Task Force (STF) apprehended a notorious wildlife criminal and confiscated a leopard skin from his possession at Dasingbadi Ghati under Daringbadi police limits in Kandhamal district.
Acting on a credible tip-off, the STF, in collaboration with Kandhamal Forest Officials and local Police, conducted a series of raids leading to the arrest of Gheneswar Pradhan, aged 35, hailing from Gohibadi village in the same locality.
During the operation, the law enforcement team also recovered a country-made pistol and other incriminating materials from the possession of the accused.
“The accused individual failed to furnish any legal authorization supporting his possession of the leopard skin and pistol. Consequently, he has been apprehended and will be presented before the Court of JMFC, Daringbadi,” stated the STF in a press release.
The STF has filed a case against the accused under sections 379/411 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Furthermore, the confiscated leopard skin will undergo biological examination at the Director WII, Dehradun, to gather crucial forensic evidence. Similarly, the country-made pistol seized during the operation will be subjected to ballistic examination at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Rasulgarh.
This swift action by the STF highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species. It also underscores the collaborative efforts between various departments to enforce wildlife protection laws and preserve biodiversity in the region.
