Items Were Headed to Nepal, Accused Arrested
As per the report, a team headed by Ranger Deepak Rasaily of the Sukna range under the Darjeeling wildlife division, conducted an operation at Samarnagar and seized 3.7 kg of Pangolin scales (Schedule 1) and 1 deer antler from the residence of one Sajon Sarkar alias Babu.
The illegal items have been seized and the accused has been arrested, it added. The report cited sources saying that the scales and antler were to be taken to Nepal and investigation into the same is ongoing.
The accused Babu, will be produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) of the Siliguri Court tomorrow (March 15), for judicial custody. Courts are on holiday today (March 14) for Holi 2025.
About Pangolins, Their Protection in India
Scaly ant-eater mammals, Pangolins, are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which offers them the highest protection, as per a PTI report. Their scales and meat are valued in traditional medicine, making them targets of wildlife poachers and animal trafficking rings, it added.
Deer antlers extracts are similarly valued for medicinal properties and peptides, which help with bones and other related remedies.
Six Arrested for Attempting to Sell Pangolin in Jalna
Earlier this month, six people were arrested on March 8 for trying to sell a pangolin for ₹30 lakh in Mantha Chauffuly in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, as per an PTI report. Police were tipped-off about the deal by a decoy customer, according to forest department official KD Nagargoje said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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