Odisha STF Arrests Wildlife Smuggler With Leopard Skin In Boudh

Bhubaneswar: A wildlife criminal was arrested by the STF of Odisha police for possessing a leopard skin and other products at Ranipathar near Charichhak under Puruna Katak area of Boudh district.

The accused was identified as Goutam Behera (55) of Surudukumpa under Phulbani Sadar police station in Kandhamal district. He was allegedly trying to strike a deal for sale of wildlife products when the STF team caught him at Ranipathar in Boudh, STF said.

Acting on an information, the STF conducted a raid and seized the leopard skin and other incriminating materials from his possession. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of the leopard skin, for which he has been arrested, it said.

In this connection, STF registered a case under sections 379/411/120(B) IPC/ r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The skin will be sent to Director WII, Derhadun for biological examination, officials informed. Further investigation is underway, it added.