Berhampur: Police in Ganjam district have busted a leopard skin smuggling racket and arrested three persons following a raid in the Dhanabada Ankuli forest area near Berhampur.
The arrested accused were identified as Gobinda Chandra Nayak (47) of Chachadakhatta village under Ramagiri police limits in Gajapati district, Gunju Raita (60) of Barada village, and Ritu Badamundi (25) of Mangarajpur village.
Acting on a complaint lodged by Jarada Police Station Inspector Minakshi Dalbehera, police launched an operation after receiving credible information on Thursday afternoon about an attempt to illegally transport and sell a leopard skin in the area.
According to police, a team rushed to the spot around 3:45 PM and noticed four suspects trying to flee through the forest. During the chase, the accused allegedly tried to attack the police team and resisted arrest. One of them reportedly brandished a sword in an attempt to assault the officers.
Despite the resistance, police managed to overpower and apprehend three accused, while another suspect escaped from the scene carrying a firearm.
During the raid, police seized a complete leopard skin concealed inside a jute bag. Two live bombs, a sword (khanda), an iron rod, and a knife were also recovered from the possession of the accused.
At a press conference, police said the leopard skin had allegedly been kept for sale. Investigation is underway to trace the source of the wildlife contraband and identify the intended buyers as well as other persons involved in the racket.
The three arrested accused were later forwarded to court, police added.
