Kandhamal: A team of Special Task Force (STF) rescued a live pangolin and arrested two persons in the district on Wednesday.
Acting on tip-off, the STF team with the help of Baliguda Forest Range officials conducted a raid on NH-59 near Jakikia village under Baliguda police limits and rescued the live pangolin. The team also seized some incriminating materials from the possession of accused persons.
The accused persons have been identified as Sibananda Mallick of Sonubadi village and Rastra Bhoi of Kalipushingtagabaz. They were detained as they could not produce any document for possession of the pangolin. Later, they were handed over to Baliguda forest officials.
The STF team handed over the seized pangolin to DFO, Baliguda. Further investigation into the matter is on.
Notably, during its special drive against the wildlife smugglers, the STF has seized 20 leopard skins, 11 elephant tusks, two deer skins, seven live pangolins, 15 kg pangolin scales and arrested 45 wild life criminals in the last one year.
