The Forest Department in Chhattisgarh has arrested nine individuals involved in leopard hide trafficking during a joint operation conducted on March 19. Acting on specific intelligence, forest officials laid a trap by posing as buyers to establish contact with the accused. The suspects were apprehended at Bailgaon village along the Rasgaon–Badedongar route when they arrived carrying leopard skins on a motorcycle and another vehicle. Seven accused were arrested on the spot. During interrogation, the accused revealed that the leopard had been poached around seven months ago using an illegal country-made firearm. Based on their inputs, the prime accused was arrested the following day from Borawand village in Narayanpur district, and the weapon used in the poaching was also seized.

 

The recovered leopard skin measured approximately 195 cm in length and 45 cm in width. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Divya Gautam. The arrested individuals are residents of Kondagaon, Dantewada, Bastar, and Narayanpur districts. Officials said that members of the state-level team and forest staff played a crucial role in the successful operation. The Forest Department reiterated its commitment to wildlife conservation, stating that strict action will continue against poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Authorities emphasised that protecting biodiversity remains a top priority under State Government initiatives aimed at preserving forests and ecological balance.