Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: In Boudh district, Special Task Force (STF) apprehended a wildlife criminal for the unlawful possession of wildlife products at Ranipathar near Charichhak under Puruna Katak police limits.

The arrested individual, Goutam Behera, aged 55 and a resident of Surudukumpa under Phulabani Sadar police station in Kandhamal, was engaged in the trade of wildlife products when the STF team apprehended him at Ranipathar in Boudh.

Upon conducting a raid, the STF confiscated a leopard skin and various other incriminating materials from Behera's possession. Failing to produce any legal authorization for possessing the leopard skin, he was subsequently taken into custody, as stated by the STF.

In connection with this incident, the STF has filed a case under sections 379/411/120(B) IPC and r/w. Sec.51 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized leopard skin will be sent to the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for a biological examination, according to officials. The investigation is ongoing.

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