Vigilance Forest Wing Raids Khariar Forest Range : Leopard Skin Seized, One Arrested in Wildlife Case

Nuapada, Sept. 22: In a major action against illegal wildlife hunting and trafficking, the Forest Wing of Odisha Vigilance conducted a surprise raid in the Udyanbandh Forest Range under Khariar Forest Division on Tuesday and seized the skin of a leopard (Panthera pardus). Acting on reliable information, the Vigilance Forest Wing carried out the raid in the forest area and detected a wildlife-related case. During the operation, one leopard skin was recovered and seized by the officials. In connection with the case, Inyat Alli, a resident of Kumuntimunda village under Kumna Police Station in Nuapada district, was arrested on the spot. He has been booked for violation of Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which is punishable under Section 51 of the Act. The seizure has raised concerns over illegal hunting and the possession of wildlife derivatives in the region. Officials are continuing their investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the leopard skin and whether any other persons are involved in the offence. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.