Odisha STF rescues live pangolin, two held
Sep 09, 2023
Koraput (Odisha) [India], September 9 : The Special Task Force of Odisha police rescued a live pangolin and apprehended two wildlife criminals in the Koraput district, officials said on Friday.
The accused persons have been identified as Durya Matpadia residents of Badapada village and Kartik Harizan hailing from Majhiguda village, they said. 
According to the official statement of the STF, on the basis of reliable information regarding the dealing/possession of wildlife products by wildlife criminals near Khadupadar Chhaka on Jeypore-Baipariguda Bypass, a team of STF conducted a raid with the help of Forest Officials of Jeypore Forest Division and Koraput district police on Thursday evening.
“During the search one Live Pangolin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from the possession of the accused. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Live Pangolin, for which they were arrested,” the statement said.
The statement further said that under sections 379/411/120(B) IPC r/w Sec 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered and the accused persons will be forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Jeypore.
The Live Pangolin was handed over to DFO, Jeypore for safe custody. Further investigation is underway, the statement said.
“Special drive against the wildlife criminals/poachers is continuing,” the statement added.
