Bhubaneswar: Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M has formally requested the Director General and Inspector General of Police, CID-Crime Branch, to transfer the investigation of a leopard skin smuggling case to the specialised Wildlife Crime Cell.
On June 6, two persons were arrested by Jarada police in Ganjam district following a raid and subsequent chase near Ankuli hilltop in Patrapur block. The accused allegedly fled toward a nearby forest upon spotting the cops, leading to a chase. One of them reportedly attacked police and threatened them with a sword before both were apprehended. Two full-size leopard skins, two live hand-made bombs and a sword were seized from their possession. A case was registered against the duo under different sections of BNS, Wildlife Protection Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. This came a month after a leopard skin was seized from three persons at Ankuli hilltop.
Citing the serious nature of the wildlife offence, involving a highly protected species, and the additional recovery of explosives and weapons, the SP emphasised the need for a specialised probe.
