PNS | DEHRADUN
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) arrested a notorious wildlife trafficker from Uttarkashi and seized two leopard pelts in a significant operation to curb illegal wildlife trade. Acting on a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Delhi, the STF apprehended the suspect in the Purola area of Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, the STF superintendent of police Chandra Mohan Singh said. The suspect, identified as Brijmohan (30) hails from Gangar village, Mori tehsil, Uttarkashi.
The seized leopard pelts measured approximately six feet and eight feet in length respectively. Singh stated that this arrest was part of a larger operation against illegal wildlife trafficking in the country. The operation was executed after WCCB from Delhi provided critical intelligence regarding the illegal trade of wildlife organs and pelts in the Purola region. The STF, using its local sources, developed this information, which led to the arrest near Lisa Bhandar junction. According to Singh, leopard hunting is a serious crime as the species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Act at Purola police station.
The SP said that further an in-depth investigation is underway to determine if others are involved in this wildlife trafficking network. The STF is also coordinating with the Forest department to gather additional information, he added. Besides this, he also appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking to the nearest police station or directly to the STF Uttarakhand at 01352656202.
