Berhampur: Three individuals were apprehended on Saturday in Gajapati district on charges of illegally possessing and transporting leopard skin within the jurisdiction of Jarada police station in Ganjam district. The accused have been identified as Gobind Chandra Nayak (47) from Chanchadakhata village, Gunju Raita (60) from Barada, and Ritu Badamunda (25) from Mangarajpur under Ramagiri area in Gajapati district. A fourth suspect, believed to be part of the wildlife trade racket, remains at large. Police have launched a search operation to locate and arrest him.
Details of the Operation
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M stated that acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Meenakhi Dalabehera, IIC of Jarada, proceeded to the Dhanabad Ankuli area on Thursday afternoon. Upon noticing the police, the four men attempted to escape towards a nearby hilltop jungle. During the chase, the accused allegedly pushed and assaulted the police personnel.
Resistance and Recovery
One of the suspects reportedly brandished a sword and threatened to kill the officers. Despite the resistance, the police managed to apprehend three of the accused, while the fourth escaped carrying a firearm. From the scene, the police recovered a jute bag containing a full-size leopard skin and two live handmade bombs. Additionally, a sword, a knife, and an iron rod were seized. The accused failed to produce any valid documents authorizing possession of the leopard skin.
Legal Action
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Wildlife Protection Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the wildlife trade network.
