A district court in Jabalpur has turned down the bail plea of a suspect in a wildlife trafficking case involving the illegal trade of pangolin scales, officials of the State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) confirmed on Friday.
Court Cites Seriousness of Offence
The bail application of Vijay Kumar Gray, a resident of Jabalpur, was rejected by the District and Sessions Court, Jabalpur. According to the STSF, the court took note of the gravity of the crime, the organised nature of the alleged wildlife trafficking network, and the evidence collected during the investigation.
Seizure in Katni District
The case stems from the seizure of approximately 5 kg of pangolin scales during an operation carried out by the STSF's Jabalpur regional unit in Katni district earlier this month. Acting on intelligence from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the STSF set up a trap near Jhinna Pipariya village on the Dhimarkheda-Khamtara road in Katni district on June 8. Four individuals were apprehended during the operation.
Officials confiscated about 5 kg of pangolin scales, along with a motorcycle and a car allegedly used to transport the contraband. A forest offence case has been registered, and an investigation is ongoing.
Pangolins Under Highest Protection
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally and are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants them the highest level of legal protection. Forest officials stated that the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised wildlife crime networks involved in the illegal trade of protected species and their body parts.
