Leopard Skin Seized in Khordha, One Arrested

Khordha: A team of Special Task Force (STF) seized a leopard skin in Odisha’s Khordha district. The team also arrested a wildlife criminal for allegedly possessing wildlife products at Baladhadi under Jankia police station.

After receiving clues about wildlife products smuggling, the STF accompanied by forest officials carried out raids at the village and arrested Umesh Rath.

Apart from leopard skin, many other incriminating materials were seized from the accused’s residence.

“As the Leopard Cat Skin is a schedule-I protected animal under Wild Life Protection Act, provides absolute protection – offenses under these are prescribed for the highest penalties, for which he has been arrested and will be forwarded to the court,” a statement issued by the STF said.

A case is registered under section 379/411/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.