Angul: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police on Friday arrested a wildlife smuggler and rescued a live pangolin from him in Angul district.
In a press release, the STF stated that they received reliable information that the wildlife smuggler, identified as Ajit Bagh of Tampara under Pallahada police station in the district was going to sell the live pangolin.
The personnel of STF and Deogarh Forest range went to Ranja square on Banarpal-Pallahada National Highway 149 where Ajit was waiting for a customer to sell the pangolin in the afternoon. They seized the pangolin from his possession on the spot and arrested him.
Later, the pangolin was handed over to the Forest personnel and Ajit was forwarded to SDJM court at Pallahada, the release stated.
It may be noted that the STF had arrested two wildlife smugglers and rescued a live pangolin from them in Rayagada district on December 9.
Also Read: Odisha STF Rescues Pangolin, Arrests 2 Wildlife Criminals From Rayagada