PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Special Task Force (STF) and Forest Department arrested two alleged wildlife smugglers during a joint operation in Sitarganj area of Udham Singh Nagar district on Monday night. Police recovered one elephant tusk from their possession. Officials said the tusk weighs about 7.82 kilogrammes and its estimated international value is about Rs 1.5 crore.
The arrested accused were identified as Martunjay Halder (32) and Manik Mandal (35) both residents of Shaktifarm area in Sitarganj. According to STF officials, they had received confidential information that illegal smuggling of wildlife body parts and elephant tusks was taking place in the Sitarganj area. After receiving the input, the STF developed local intelligence and kept watch on the suspects. Based on the information, a joint checking drive was launched with the Forest Department, leading to the arrest of the two accused.
The recovered tusk is about three feet long and has a circumference of about 13 inches. Police also seized a motorcycle used by the accused. A case has been registered against them under the Wildlife Protection Act. Officials said elephant tusks and elephant body parts are protected under Schedule I of the law, and hunting or trading them is a serious offence. STF senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said that the accused are being questioned to find out if more people are involved in the smuggling network. He said strict action will be taken against anyone found connected to the case.
