Bhubaneswar: A joint team of forest and police personnel in Keonjhar has arrested two individuals for possession and attempted trade of a leopard skin. The accused, identified as Rabindra Tudu (25) and Manua Hembram (40), were apprehended following a decoy operation near Judia Ghati in the Keonjhar range.
According to Divisional Forest Officer HD Dhanaraj, the seizure was made after a joint operation was conducted based on credible information. Tudu was caught with the leopard skin, while Hembram, his brother-in-law, was arrested from Judia Munda Sahi in Keonjhar town for his alleged involvement in the possession and attempted trade of the wildlife article.
Further investigation revealed that Hembram was also involved in the illegal trade of elephant tusks. Forensic examination of his mobile phone revealed video clips showing the weighing of elephant tusks for sale, which have been seized as evidence.
