Dhenkanal: Four persons were arrested by the Forest Department for allegedly possessing an elephant tusk in the Mahabirod forest range of Dhenkanal district on Wednesday.
The arrested persons have been identified as Sipun Patra of Baghamunda and Laxmidhar Naik, Kuber Singh and Sanatan Naik, all residents of Tampei village under the Mahabirod forest range.
According to the Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), the accused persons told forest officials during the investigation that they had ventured into the forest to collect mushrooms. They allegedly came across the elephant tusk while in the forest and collected it.
The Forest Department subsequently seized the tusk and took it into departmental custody. The four accused were arrested in connection with the alleged offence.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the tusk and determine the circumstances under which it came into the possession of the accused.
The Forest Division reiterated that the possession, collection, transportation or trade of elephant tusks and other wildlife articles is prohibited under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The department also warned that stringent legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in wildlife-related offences.
