In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, in a joint operation with multiple enforcement agencies, arrested two alleged wildlife smugglers with two tiger hides near the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border in Kanker district. According to the Forest Department, the operation was carried out on the basis of specific intelligence in the Bande Range of West Bhanupratappur forest division. The accused, identified as Byeshwar and Baburao, both residents of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, were allegedly transporting two tiger skins on a motorcycle when they were intercepted and arrested by the joint team. Officials said the recovered skins are suspected to be of the tiger, a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused have been booked under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and further investigation is underway.

 

The operation was jointly conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (Northern and Central Regions), the Chhattisgarh Forest Department’s State Flying Squad, the Anti-Poaching Unit (USTR) and local forest staff. Forest Department officials said the involvement of other persons in the wildlife trafficking network is being investigated. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspects linked to the case. The arrested accused were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody. The Forest Department said a detailed investigation is in progress to ascertain the source of the tiger skins and identify others involved in the illegal trade. The State Government said it continues to adopt a strict approach towards wildlife conservation and is carrying out regular surveillance and joint enforcement operations to curb illegal wildlife trafficking.