Leopard Skin Seized by STF in Boudh Dist, Wildlife Smuggler Arrested

Bhubaneswar: Personnel of the STF of Odisha police arrested a wildlife criminal following the seizure of a leopard hide and other wildlife products from his possession at Ranipathar in the Puruna Katak area of Boudh district.

The arrested man was identified as Goutam Behera (55) of Surudukumpa under Phulbani Sadar police station limits in adjoining Kandhamal district.

He was allegedly trying to strike a deal for the sale of the leopard skin and other wildlife products when the STF team nabbed him. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of the leopard skin, for which he has been arrested.

In this connection, STF registered a case under sections 379/411/120(B) IPC/ r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized leopard skin will be sent to Director WII, Dehradun for biological examination.