Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, police in Odisha’s Ganjam district have seized two full-size leopard skins, two live handmade bombs and a sword, and arrested two persons allegedly involved in the illegal possession and transportation of protected wildlife articles.
The accused were identified as Kesaba Jamadar (34) of Badagaon village under Ramagiri police limits in Gajapati district and Bira Jamadar (45) of Buratal village under Jarada police station in Ganjam district.
According to police, the operation was conducted on June 6 following specific intelligence inputs about suspicious activities in the upper Buratal area under Patrapur block. Acting on the information, a team from Jarada police station reached the hilltop region and noticed two individuals attempting to flee towards a nearby forest upon spotting the police.
The police team immediately launched a chase. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to assault police personnel. One of the accused reportedly brandished a sword and threatened officers in a bid to escape.
Despite the resistance, both men were overpowered and taken into custody after a brief struggle.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of two gunny bags containing two full-size leopard skins. During the personal search of the accused, police seized two live handmade bombs from Kesaba Jamadar and a sword from Bira Jamadar.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused did not possess any valid documents authorising them to possess or transport the leopard skins, weapons or explosive materials.
Police officials said the seizure points to possible involvement in an organised wildlife trafficking network. Investigators are now probing the source of the leopard skins and examining whether the accused have links with poachers and wildlife smugglers operating across southern Odisha and adjoining regions.
A case has been registered at Jarada police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Both accused were produced before a local court, while further investigation was underway.
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