Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police apprehended two persons and rescued two live pangolins from them during a raid in Odisha’s Sonepur district.
The accused have been identified as Bedabyasa Dharua (41) and Nabadeep Dharua (29) of Jhankarpali village under Lachhipur police limits.
According to sources, they were nabbed during a joint raid with officials of Sonepur forest division between Nachhipura and Sonepur main road on Tuesday. Pangolins, weighing 7 kg and 3 kg, along with other incriminating materials were recovered from them. They were detained by STF and later handed over to Sonepur forest officials. The live pangolins were also handed over to DFO, Sonepur, for safe custody.
Pangolin is a Schedule I protected animal under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides absolute protection and offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties.
