Koraput: The Special Task Force rescued a Pangolin in Koraput and arrested three persons in this connection on Wednesday night.
The accused have been identified as Sada Disari (48) of Pukalimaliguda, Moses Khara (47) of Pukalimaliguda and Landu Tadingi (31) of Chindiri.
A team of STF conducted a raid with the help of Koraput Forest Division officials and Koraput police on Wednesday evening on Nandapur- Bodigoan road under Semiliguada police limits on receiving a tip-off on activity of wildlife criminals.
During the search a pangolin, a car and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.
The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of the possession of the pangolin, for which they were apprehended and forwarded to the Court of JMFC, Semiliguda, the STF stated.
In this connection STF has registered a case under Sections 303(2)/317(2)/61(2)(a) of the IPC (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and Section 51 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Pangolin has been handed over to DFO, Koraput Forest Division for safe custody and rehabilitation.