Police Seek Wildlife Cell for Crucial Investigation

Berhampur police have requested the director-general of police to transfer two significant wildlife crime cases to the specialized wildlife crime cell. The urgency stems from the gravity of the offenses, which reportedly involved the use of explosives and firearms.

Recently, three leopard skins were seized in two separate locations under Jarada police station limits. Five individuals were arrested, with four apprehended in Gajapati district. During the raids, the accused were found to be in possession of crude bombs and sharp weapons, and could not provide valid documentation for the leopard skins.

Wildlife activists expressed concern that the leopards were likely killed in the border forest areas of Ganjam and Gajapati districts by hunters involved in organ trading. They stressed that focusing solely on skin seizures is insufficient, and the investigation must pinpoint the poaching locations and individuals involved in the illegal hunting and trade of these big cats.