Man Convicted for Possession of Leopard Skin in Boudh; Ninth Case of STF Where Accused Convicted

Boudh: The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Harabhanga convicted one Goutam Behera and ordered him to undergo three years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) along with a fine of Rs 10, 000 for illegal possession of a leopard hide.

This man was apprehended by the STF on January 20, 2024, by the side of Charichhak–Phulbani main road near Ranipathar under Purnakatak police station in the Boudh district.

One leopard skin was seized from his possession. He was at the spot to deliver the leopard skin to a customer.

This is the ninth case of STF where the accused persons were convicted under Wildlife Protection Act. Till date trial has been completed in nine Wildlife cases and all the cases ended in Conviction. This is worth mentioning that the conviction rate of wildlife crime cases in India is less than five per cent.

STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb the organized crime as well as cases against Wildlife in the State.