Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch has seized a leopard skin and apprehended one person in this connection in Koraput district.
On the basis of reliable information about an ongoing deal on wildlife products, a team of STF with the help of Ramgir Forest Officials of the district conducted raid on the side of the road near Ramgir Gupteswar Gate of Ramagiri Wildlife Range under Baipariguda police limits on Tuesday.
During the raid, the team apprehended a wildlife criminal, identified as Mana Gouda of Goudaguda under Baipariguda police station in the district. During search, a leopard skin and other incriminating materials were
recovered from his possession.
As the accused person could not produce document from any authority in support of possession of the leopard skin, he was detained and handed over to Ramgir Forest Officials under Jeypore Forest Division for legal action. Further investigation is on.
During its special drive against wildlife criminals/poachers since 2020, STF has seized 30 leopard skins and arrested/apprehended 43 criminals.
