Bargarh, Feb 13: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police rescued a live pangolin from Bargarh district and arrested a wildlife smuggler for his alleged involvement in the wildlife trade, officials said on Tuesday.

STF, with the help of local police and forest officials, seized/ rescued one live pangolin near Ambabhona, Bargadh. One accused was arrested.
Further investigation is on.@odisha_police @CIDOdisha pic.twitter.com/5UHjHVJfct
— STF (@OdishapoliceStf) February 13, 2024

The wildlife smuggler has been identified as Jagadish Minz (41), a native of Ambabhona in the district.

Acting on the reliable information, an STF team with the help of Bargarh forest division officials on Monday conducted a raid on the Ambabhona-Dunguri road near Budhipalli Chhak in the district and rescued the live pangolin from the possession of the accused person, a senior STF official said.

Following the raid, the STF registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and arrested the accused person.

Pangolin is a schedule-I protected animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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