Baripada: In a major crackdown on wildlife criminals, Forest Department officials on Tuesday seized a pair of tusks weighing 30.9 kg near Bisoi in Jashipur area of Mayurbhanj district.
The Forest Department has arrested 10 persons in this connection including poachers, middlemen and end users.
The accused were arrested from different places– four persons from Khejuri village of Similipal, two persons from Bisoi and four persons from Jashipur area.
The accused have been identified as Ghasiram Jerai (45), Anand Kerai (55), Sibasankar Banara (55), Narendra Banara (53), Chaku Alda (35), Dabara Badra (45), Berga Badra (21), Sanatan Badra (24), Papulu Badra (22) and Markand Ho (23).
The accused have been forwarded to court.
The well-coordinated operation was executed by the staff and senior officials of Similipal South Wildlife Division, Similipal North Wildlife Division, Rairangpur Division and Puri Wildlife Division.
Further, investigation in the case is underway.
