Leopard Skin Seized, One Arrested In Odisha’s Rayagada

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Rayagada: Forest officials have seized a leopard skin and arrested one person in this connection in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

Following reliable information, a team of Forest officials, led by Muniguda ranger Anil Kumar Bal, conducted a raid on Kanadulapada village close to boundary with neighbouring Phulbani district under Muniguda range on Tuesday.

During the raid, the officials found a leopard skin and two country-made guns from a house. As the hose owner, identified as Kitana Andhikia of the village, could not furnish any document for possession of the leopard hide and the guns, they seized the items and arrested him, said ACF Sandip Prusty.

He further said Kitana’s accomplice Sumat Sikaka is absconding and a manhunt has been launched to trace him. Both persons are hunters and further investigation is on to ascertain other wildlife materials in their possession, he added.