Odisha STF Arrests Wildlife Criminal In Nuapada, Rescues Live Pangolin

Nuapada: A team of Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha police along with forest department officials arrested a wildlife criminal in Nuapada district and recovered a live pangolin from his possession.

Acting on a tip off, a team of the STF along with officials of Khairar Forest Division conducted a raid at Bankapur Chhaka under Khariar Police Station of the district and apprehended the accused.

He was identified as Ranjan Kumar Sahu of Kanatamal village under Kegaon Police station of Kalahandi district. During the search, one live pangolin was rescued, STF said in a release.

One SUV along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of the live pangolin, for which he has been apprehended.

A case was registered under relevant sections of IPC and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 against the accused.

The pangolin also handed over to DFO, Khariar for safe custody. Investigation is still underway.

The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and ‘bajrakapta’ in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal. It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties. Special drive against the wildlife criminals/ poachers is continuing.