Poachers’ Deadly Haul: Leopard Skin and Flesh Taken in Major Bust

Assam (The Uttam Hindu): On Friday, a joint operation by the Assam Forest Department and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) led to the arrest of three poachers at the Rai Mona National Park in Kokrajhar. The poachers were caught in possession of five kilograms of leopard flesh and its skin, involved in the illegal trade of animal body parts.

The three individuals had been engaged in smuggling body parts of various animals, including elephants, deer, and leopards, to neighboring countries for an extended period. Following their arrest, officials from the forest department interrogated the suspects and uncovered their involvement in a larger wildlife trafficking network. The authorities suspect the poachers have been operating across multiple regions, exploiting endangered species for illegal trade.

The police have registered a formal case against the accused poachers and are continuing their investigation to uncover more details about their operations and connections. The authorities are focusing on dismantling the broader smuggling ring and preventing further exploitation of wildlife.

Rai Mona National Park, located in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, is known for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to several endangered species, including the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, gaur, and chital. These arrests highlight the ongoing threat to wildlife in the region, as authorities intensify efforts to curb poaching and protect endangered species from illegal exploitation. The case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in preserving India’s wildlife heritage.