Bhubaneswar: Forest and wildlife authorities in Odisha have launched a series of enforcement operations against illegal fishing and wildlife trafficking, leading to multiple arrests and major seizures across different districts.
In one of the operations, staff of the Parikuda Wildlife Section under the Balugaon Wildlife Range apprehended 11 persons for allegedly carrying out illegal fishing inside the Nalban area of the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden said in a post on X.
According to officials, the accused were caught during patrolling activities inside the protected sanctuary area while using prohibited super dubi nets for fishing operations. The enforcement team seized two mechanised boats, engines, illegal fishing nets, and other related materials from the spot.
Wildlife offence cases have been registered against the accused under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and all 11 persons are being forwarded to court.
In another major crackdown on wildlife crime, officials of the Similipal South Wildlife Division seized a melanistic tiger skin during a raid conducted under the Khunta police station area in Mayurbhanj district.
Three people were arrested in connection with the case, while authorities also seized three motorcycles and two mobile phones during the operation. Officials said the accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, the Nabarangpur Forest Division also carried out a joint operation in the Simanta Malbeda Protected Forest area and seized a leopard skin measuring nearly six feet.
Two alleged wildlife smugglers from the Koraput district were arrested during the operation and later forwarded to court. Forest officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused are linked to a larger wildlife trafficking network operating in the region.
