Major Wildlife Racket Busted in Odisha: Seven Arrested with Leopard Hides and Pangolin Scales

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Susanta Nanda revealed the arrest of seven individuals associated with an inter-state wildlife racket. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of leopard hides and pangolin scales, shedding light on the rampant illegal wildlife trade in the region.

As per PCCF Nanda’s announcement on social media platform X, the forest department’s relentless efforts resulted in the confiscation of five leopard skins, one fishing cat skin, and one leopard cat skin. Additionally, a significant haul of pangolin scales was recovered from the arrested individuals, exposing the scale of the illegal wildlife trade network operating across state borders.

Applauding the dedication and round-the-clock efforts of the forest department staff, PCCF Nanda commended their role in dismantling the wildlife racket. He affirmed that ongoing investigations aim to apprehend the mastermind behind the illicit operation and dismantle the entire inter-state gang.

The seven accused individuals have been remanded to court in Gajpati District, marking a crucial step in the legal process. Further investigations are underway to establish both the forward and backward linkages of the wildlife trafficking network.