Bhubaneswar: In a significant blow to wildlife poaching and trafficking, the special enforcement wing of Similipal South Wildlife Division arrested four individuals and seized a juvenile tiger skin and nail from their possession.
The accused, identified as Ajambar Naik, Pitambar Naik, Rama Naik, and Bairam Murmu, are residents of Tentula and Balighat villages under Udala police limits in Mayurbhanj district.
As per reports, the arrests were made possible through a joint effort by the Similipal South WL Division and the State-level Joint Task Force (JTF). The investigation is underway, with a search operation for other accused in progress. Wildlife officials will determine the source of the tiger once the absconding accused are arrested.
Meanwhile, the four accused have been forwarded to court for remand into judicial custody.
It is pertinent to mention that Simlipal is a protected area which comes under the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve attained this status in 2009.
