2 held in Dibrugarh for smuggling leopard hide and bones

Dibrugarh: Two persons were arrested on Monday for possessing a leopard hide and bones in the Moran area of Dibrugarh district. Police made the arrests in a joint operation with the forest department.
Police said one Madhurjya Sonowal was caught red-handed while attempting to sell the leopard skin and bones in the Ghaspuria area of Moran. Acting on a tip-off, police swiftly nabbed him and recovered the contraband. During interrogation, Sonowal revealed that he had received the animal parts from Pankaj Baruah, who had promised him Rs 2 lakh for the sale.
"Sonowal confessed that Baruah provided him with the leopard hide and bones, assuring him a hefty sum for the illegal trade. This led us to launch a joint operation to apprehend Baruah. We are investigating whether he has links to larger smuggling networks," a police official said.
The accused have been booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The leopard (Panthera pardus) is listed under Schedule-I of the Act, which provides the highest degree of protection. Possession of its hide or bones is punishable with stringent penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
"The leopard is a critically endangered species, and its protection is paramount. Such illegal activities not only threaten biodiversity but also undermine conservation efforts. We will ensure that the accused face the full force of the law," Dibrugarh DFO BV Sandeep said.
Dibrugarh: Two persons were arrested on Monday for possessing a leopard hide and bones in the Moran area of Dibrugarh district. Police made the arrests in a joint operation with the forest department.
Police said one Madhurjya Sonowal was caught red-handed while attempting to sell the leopard skin and bones in the Ghaspuria area of Moran. Acting on a tip-off, police swiftly nabbed him and recovered the contraband. During interrogation, Sonowal revealed that he had received the animal parts from Pankaj Baruah, who had promised him Rs 2 lakh for the sale.
"Sonowal confessed that Baruah provided him with the leopard hide and bones, assuring him a hefty sum for the illegal trade. This led us to launch a joint operation to apprehend Baruah. We are investigating whether he has links to larger smuggling networks," a police official said.
The accused have been booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The leopard (Panthera pardus) is listed under Schedule-I of the Act, which provides the highest degree of protection. Possession of its hide or bones is punishable with stringent penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
"The leopard is a critically endangered species, and its protection is paramount. Such illegal activities not only threaten biodiversity but also undermine conservation efforts. We will ensure that the accused face the full force of the law," Dibrugarh DFO BV Sandeep said.