STF busts wildlife trafficking racket, rescues live Pangolin in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Acting on reliable intelligence input, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police intercepted two interstate wildlife traffickers and recovered a live pangolin from their possession on July 19, 2025, near Maa Latabhuasuni Temple on Pitapalli-Chandaka Road, under Infovalley Police Station in Bhubaneswar UPD jurisdiction.

The accused have been identified as:

1. Gakul Gupta (37), a resident of Abankela village under Bhasma Police Station, Sundargarh district.
2. Tejram Meher (34), hailing from Sagarpalli village under Rengali Police Station, Jharsuguda district.

According to the STF, the duo was illegally possessing and transporting a live pangolin with the intention to sell it. During the operation, officers recovered one live pangolin weighing 14.1 kg, along with mobile phones and cash, from the accused.

A case has been registered under STF Police Station Case No. 14 dated 19.07.2025 under sections 303(2)/317(2)/61(2)(a) of the BNS, read with Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused were arrested on the spot and are being forwarded to the Court of the SDJM, Bhubaneswar today.

The pangolin, a critically endangered species and one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The animal has been safely rescued and is under the care of forest officials.

The STF has intensified its drive against illegal wildlife trade across the state. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the wider network of interstate criminals involved in the trafficking of endangered species.