Indus Valley Times

By A Iswar Rao

In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, On 18.01.2023  the forest department under the guidance of DFO Malkangiri Shri.Pratap Kotapali  had arrested three individuals and forwarded them to jail after catching them red-handed while transporting leopard skin.

According to sources, the forest department received a tip-off about the illegal trade and launched an operation in Manyamkonda under Motu PS. During the operation, the department intercepted a Honda Shine bike and found a leopard skin.
The three individuals, who have been identified as Mukesh Madkami,Penta Madkami and Dula Madkami of Mangipalli were arrested on the spot and charged with illegal possession and transportation of protected wildlife products. They were subsequently forwarded to jail, pending further investigation and trial.

The forest department has also seized the vehicle and the illegal wildlife products as evidence. The department has also launched an investigation to trace the source of the illegal trade and identify other possible suspects.

This operation is a significant victory for the forest department and wildlife conservation efforts in the region. The department has assured that it will continue to take strong action against illegal wildlife trade and protect the region’s biodiversity.