Khurda: The Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch rescued a pangolin, and arrested two wildlife smugglers from Gurujanga-Pitapalli road in Khurda district on Friday.
The accused are Kailash Khosala of Kalahandi district and Chaitanya Bhatra of Nabarangpur.
Acting on a tip-off, the STF raided a place near Gurujanga-Pitapalli road and rescued the animal. The STF also seized one car and other incriminating materials from their possession.
They have been arrested and will be forwarded to court, said police.
It may be mentioned that during last one year, special drive against wildlife criminals/poachers has been launched. The STF has seized 16 leopard hide, nine elephant tusks, two deer hide, five live pangolins and 15 kg pangolin scales. The STF has also arrested 35 wildlife criminals in these connections.
