Leopard Skin Seized in Nabarangpur; Two Wildlife Smugglers Arrested

Nabarangpur: In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Forest Department seized a leopard skin measuring nearly six feet in length and arrested two alleged inter-district wildlife smugglers in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district.

The accused, identified as Kunu Kumbhar and Duryodhan Golari from neighbouring Koraput district, were apprehended during a special joint raid conducted in the Simanta Malbeda Protected Forest area under the Umarkote and Kodinga Forest Divisions.

According to forest officials, the duo was allegedly waiting to strike a deal with prospective buyers when the raiding team caught them red-handed with the leopard skin.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Nabarangpur Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Subas Chandra Khuntia and Kodinga Range Officer Purna Chandra Nanda.

Apart from the leopard skin, officials also seized a motorcycle allegedly used for transporting wildlife contraband.

Both accused were arrested and later produced before a local court. Forest officials said an investigation is underway to determine whether a larger wildlife smuggling network is involved in the case.