Bhubaneswar: A team of STF today apprehended two wildlife criminals while making a deal of wildlife products on NH-326 (Berhampur-Rayagada) near Akhusingi Chowk under Padampur police limits in Rayagada district
The accused are Samsan Raita (45) of Gajapti and Asmin Sabar (28) of Rayagada.
On a tip-off, the STF raided them and rescued a live pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which they have been apprehended. A case has been registered under sections 379/411/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The accused will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Gunupur, STF officials said. The pangolin was also handed over to DFO for safe custody.
Investigation is underway, officials added.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater 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 the act are prescribed for the highest penalties.
