Bhubaneswar: Police on Sunday arrested two persons for allegedly possessing two leopard skins along with explosives and a weapon under Jarada Police Station limits in Berhampur.
The accused have been identified as Kesab Jamadar (34) of Badagaon in Gajapati district and Bira Jamadar (45) of Burutal in Ganjam district.
According to police, acting on a tip-off regarding illegal trade of wildlife articles, a team from Jarada Police Station conducted a raid in the Upper Burutal area. During the operation, the accused were spotted attempting to flee towards a nearby jungle on a hilltop.
Police said the duo tried to resist arrest, during which one of them allegedly brandished a sword and threatened the team. After a brief chase, both were apprehended.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two gunny bags containing two full-size leopard skins. Police also seized two live handmade bombs from Kesab and a sword from Bira.
The accused failed to produce any valid licence or permit for possession of the wildlife articles, explosive materials, or weapon.
A case has been registered against them under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Wildlife Protection Act, the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act at Jarada Police Station.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the leopard skins, police said.
