Leopard Skin Seized, Two Detained In Sambalpur

Sambalpur: A Special Squad of CID, Crime Branch, on Wednesday seized a leopard skin and detained two persons in this connection at Kisinda in Sambalpur district.

Those detained were identified as Akei Sahu (70), a native of Kanchanpur and Bishal Saha (21), of Kumbharpara. They were caught while carrying the leopard skin in an air bag for disposal during the raid inside Kanchanpur forest.

The raid was conducted following inputs from National Wildlife Board.

An FIR has been lodged under Sections 379/411/34/120-B B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Leopard, being a rare species, comes under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, violation of Section 51 of this act is punishable with imprisonment for a period of three years or a fine of Rs 25,000 or both.

Those detained are being interrogated to ascertain the procurement sources and involvement of more people in the illegal trade, said an official.

Hunters and poachers often kill animals and sell their skin in national and international market in lakhs of rupees.

In November last year, Kaptipada police had arrested two persons who were looking to sell a 6.5 feet long leopard skin in Baripada district.