Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch conducted a raid with the help of Tangi Forest Officials on Wednesday and rescued a pangolin.
The raid was carried out today morning near Brahmandi Chhak beside NH-16 under Tangi police limits in Khurda district.
The sleuths had a tip-off on wildlife products being traded at the spot. One Jayakrushna Tarai of Ghumusharpadar in Ghhiakhala under Balugaon police limits was apprehended.
During search one living Pangolin and other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession.
“The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of possession of such live Pangolin, for which he has been arrested and will be forwarded to the court of JMFC, Tangi,” the STF stated.
In this connection, the STF has registered a case under Sections 379/411/120(B) of IPC and Section 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The pangolin was handed over to DFO, Khordha for safe custody.
The Indian pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and bajrakapta in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal.
It is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties.
