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Leopard Skin Smugglers Arrested in Northern India Sting
20 Oct
Summary
- Authorities uncover illegal wildlife trade in northern India
- Two men arrested for attempting to sell leopard skin in Chandigarh
- Leopards are a "Schedule I species" under India's wildlife protection law
On October 18, 2025, authorities in northern India uncovered a disturbing case of illegal wildlife contraband, exposing the continued threat posed by the illicit trade in exotic and endangered species. Acting on intelligence reports, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Chandigarh arrested two men who were attempting to sell a leopard skin in one of the city's local markets.
The DRI officers went undercover, posing as potential buyers to confirm the reports. Once the suspects produced the leopard skin for sale, the officials immediately arrested them. Investigators believe the two men are part of an organized network trafficking animal parts across northern India, with the leopard skin likely sourced from nearby Himachal Pradesh.
Both suspects have been charged under India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection for leopards and other endangered species. Possession, transportation, or commercial trade in any Schedule I species or its body parts constitutes a grave punishable offense.
