7.098 Kg Pangolin Scales Seized, Three Arrested: Forest Department Cracks Down on Wildlife Smuggling Along Odisha–Chhattisgarh Border

Khariar, August 21: The Khariar Forest Division has achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on wildlife trafficking. Acting on reliable information, the Forest Department conducted a raid and seized 7.098 kg of pangolin scales, while arresting three persons allegedly involved in the illegal trade. According to Forest Department sources, the seized pangolin scales had been kept near a government pump house in the Palama-Jharanala area of Khariar. Acting on a tip-off, a Forest Department team raided the location and recovered the scales. The arrested persons have been identified as Balakrishna Hati (30) and Sonu Hati (40), both residents of Ranimunda under Khariar, and Roshan Thakur (31) of Pithapada in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. The three accused were allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of pangolin scales along the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. Following credible information, a special team led by Forester Rajesh Harijan, under the direction of the Khariar Forest Division authorities, conducted the raid and successfully apprehended the accused. The seized pangolin scales weigh 7.098 kg and are suspected to have a value of several lakhs of rupees in the international illegal wildlife market. Following their arrest, all three accused were produced before the court. The Forest Department has launched a further investigation to determine whether more people are involved in the wildlife trafficking network and to identify the possible links behind the illegal trade. The seizure is being seen as a significant achievement for the Khariar Forest Division in its efforts to curb the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife and wildlife products.