"Four more people have been detained for elephant tusk smuggling in Odisha."
The Forest department arrested four more individuals involved in the illegal trade of elephant tusks in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. This follows the detention of seven others previously. A network of poachers has been uncovered, and further investigation is underway to confirm the identities of those involved. Five tusks, three motorcycles, and other items were seized in a late-night operation in the Kaptipada area. The seven accused individuals have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and forwarded to judicial custody.
Arpit Pattnaik
The Forest Department has detained four more persons in connection with the illegal trade of elephant tusks. The arrests took place on Thursday in the Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. Investigations indicate that two additional suspects may be involved in the case. A day earlier, seven persons involved in the smuggling were arrested and sent to court.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Baripada forest division, A Uma Mahesh, stated that the case revealed a strong network of poachers. During the investigation, it was found that, besides the seven arrested people, there were many others involved in the illegal trade.
The four accused detained for their involvement later confessed to the involvement of two others in both districts. They admitted to gathering five elephant tusks four years ago, after killing the elephants in Balasore’s Kuldiha sanctuary. They had tried to find buyers for the tusks but were unsuccessful due to restrictions.
Further investigation will confirm the identities of those who killed the elephants and other details by Friday, said the DFO. Five tusks, three motorcycles, and other items were seized by the Forest department in a late-night operation in the Kaptipada area on Tuesday. The operation involved over 50 officials and security personnel from the Baripada forest division and the Similipal Tiger Reserve south division, who posed as buyers to dismantle the poaching ring.
The seven accused, charged under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, were sent to judicial custody.
