Odisha STF team nabs wildlife criminal, recovers a leopard skin

Bhubaneswar: The STF of Odisha Crime Branch has arrested one wildlife criminal and recovered a leopard skin from his possession.

STF sources on Monday said on the basis of reliable information, a team of STF conducted a raid with the help of Kandhamal Police on Sunday night near Manipadar village in Kandhamal district.

During search operation one wildlife criminal identified as Belarsen Kanhar (43) was apprehended and a Leopard Skin, cash of Rs.5500 along with other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession.

The accused person,STD sources said, would be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Phulbani as he could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Leopard Skin.

A case under section 379/411 IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was registered against him and the skin will be sent to Director WII, Derhadun for biological examination.