Two Arrested for Illegal Trade of Protected Species in India

On October 13th, 2025, the forest department in Valsad, India announced the arrest of two individuals for the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species. Acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials raided the residence of Ajay Patel, a resident of Navera village, and recovered a leopard skin.

During interrogation, Patel revealed that he had procured the leopard skin from Suresh Vanjara, a resident of Malghar village. Vanjara, in turn, claimed to have obtained the skin from one Sitaram Valvi, also a resident of Malghar village. The authorities have since arrested both Patel and Vanjara, while Valvi remains at large.

In addition to the leopard skin, the forest officials also recovered bones of a barn owl from Vanjara's possession. Both the leopard and the barn owl are protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of India.

The forest department has stated that the evidence gathered so far indicates the accused were involved in poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife, as well as the use of these animals in tantric rituals. The authorities are now coordinating with the police to apprehend Valvi and uncover the full extent of the poaching and trafficking network.