Bhubaneswar/Baleshwar: Further intensifying the investigation into the mysterious presence of five baby orangutans in Odisha’s Baleshwar district, the Special Task Force (STF) has detained three suspects and started interrogating them in the case.
The development came three days after the five orangutans were rescued from a forest in Bhograi block of Baleshwar district. The animals were later brought to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.
According to information, STF officials picked up the three people from a private hotel in Digha in West Bengal and brought them for questioning. The three are being questioned as part of efforts to establish how the orangutans were brought to Odisha.
The STF is also looking into a black SUV reportedly found with the hotel owner. The vehicle has raised questions as part of the ongoing investigation into the movement of the orangutans.
Investigators are trying to find out where the five orangutans came from, which route was used to bring them and who transported them. The purpose behind bringing the animals is also being examined.
Meanwhile, Odisha DGP in-charge Binayatosh Mishra has directed the STF to register a formal case in connection with the rescue of the five orangutans. He said the details would become clear after the STF completes its investigation.