Forest officials in Jharkhand have dismantled a wildlife smuggling ring, arresting four individuals and seizing four pangolins valued at around ₹70 lakhs. The arrests took place in a village in the Gudabanda area of East Singhbhum. The accused were found to be trafficking pangolins, an endangered species. The pangolins recovered weighed approximately 20 kilograms each.
The individuals arrested were identified as Sadhu Kalundia, Khela Murmu, Piru Bandra, and Guru Das. Kalundia was found to be housing the pangolins in his home, for which he received daily payments of ₹500. The authorities have registered a case against them under Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation and identify other individuals involved.
Pangolins are highly sought after in the international market for their meat and scales. The scales are believed to have medicinal properties, making pangolins a target for poachers. The Forest Department is actively working to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.