Odisha STF Rescues Live Pangolin, Arrests One Wildlife Criminal

Deogarh: An STF team rescued a live pangolin during a raid conducted with the help of forest Officials of Deogarh Forest Division on Friday morning near Ranja Chowk on NH149 under Pallahara police station limits in Angul district.

One wildlife criminal, Ajit Bagha (26), of Tampar village in Pallahara of Angul district was apprehended during the operation.

Apart from the live Pangolin, other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. The accused person could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which he was arrested.

The rescued pangolin was handed over to Forest Range Officer, Pallahara for safe custody.

Pangolin is a schedule-I protected animal under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.