Bhubaneswar: A team of the STF conducted a joint raid with Khurda forest personnel on Friday near Khurda – Jatni by-pass. The cops had information about a transaction of pangolin and other wildlife products.
During the raid, three alleged smugglers Sadhucharan Mohanty of Badamba, Kasti Kadraka of Rayagada and Bijaya Kumar Parida of Badamba in Cuttack were apprehended.
During search one Pangolin was rescued and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of possession of the pangolin, for which they have been arrested and will be forwarded to the court of SDJM, Khordha.
In this connection 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, Khurda for safe custody. Investigation is on, the STF stated.
