Bhubaneswar: Two elephant tusks of substantial size and weight were seized during a major anti-trafficking operation in the Ramla area under Champua Range, marking a significant success for the Keonjhar Forest Division in its ongoing fight against wildlife crime.
The tusks, measuring 100 cm and 89 cm in length and weighing 7.5 kg and 6.8 kg respectively, were recovered during a coordinated raid carried out on the basis of credible intelligence provided by the Joint Task Force (PCCF Wildlife) and executed under the direction of DFO Keonjhar H. D. Dhanraj.
The recovery of the tusks, believed to be the result of the killing of at least one elephant, led forest officials and the local police to arrest three individuals suspected to be involved in illegal ivory trade.
The accused have been identified as Kailash Tiria of Dhenkanal district, Guru Charan Kerai from Jharkhand, and Mishra Munda of Balabhadrapur in Ukhunda. A case has been registered against them under Sections 9, 39(3) and 49(B) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
In addition to the ivory, the enforcement team seized three mobile phones, two motorcycles—one Hero Splendor Plus and one Hero HF-Deluxe—and a scooty that were allegedly used in the trafficking operation. Officials said the raid was part of intensified measures to counter organised wildlife crime in the region.
The Forest Department has confirmed that the investigation will continue in coordination with agencies including the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, S-WIN, the Joint Task Force, the Special Task Force, and the district police to trace the wider network behind the illegal trade.
Authorities reiterated their resolve to strengthen surveillance and enforce strict action against poaching and smuggling across vulnerable forest zones in Keonjhar district.
