Baripada: In a shocking case of wildlife crime, the skin of a melanistic tiger cub, aged around two years, has been seized by wildlife team in the Similipal Tiger Reserve area.
Three persons have been arrested for allegedly hunting and attempting to sell the skin.
Acting on specific intelligence, the enforcement team of Similipal South Division intercepted the accused while they were trying to sell the tiger skin in the Basipitha area under Khunta police station limits.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gangadhar Murmu (62 years) of Kusumghati under Khunta police station, Ramdas Hembram (40 years) of Katharuma under Kuliana police station, and Bhima Baskey (40 years) of Joka under Bangiriposi police station. All three accused are residents of Mayurbhanj district.
Speaking on the incident, Sumit Kar, Deputy Area Director, Similipal South Division, said, “The tiger cub was about two years old. Further investigation into the case is underway to determine the full details of the poaching network and identify any other persons involved.”
This is the latest reported case of a melanistic (black) tiger being targeted in Similipal, which is famous for its unique population of rare melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers.
