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Pune unit of DRI unit seizes leopard skin, three held for smuggling

The specimen was seized under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Leopards are listed in Schedule I of the Act, and the trade, sale, purchase, or possession of leopard skin or any part of the animal is strictly prohibited (Special arrangement)

THE PUNE Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Monday seized a leopard skin from Akola district of Maharashtra and arrested three persons who were trying to smuggle and trade the contraband wildlife item.

Based on specific intelligence that certain individuals based in Akot in Akola districtwere attempting to trade leopard skin, officers of DRI Pune unit maintained surveillance and intercepted the offenders after a chase in the forest area of Akot on Monday.

Three individuals, two carriers and one mediator, were apprehended in the action. The officers recovered one leopard skin of dimensions 80 inches by 25 inches from their possession. The specimen was seized under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Leopards are listed in Schedule I of the Act, and the trade, sale, purchase, or possession of leopard skin or any part of the animal is strictly prohibited.

The seized leopard skin and the three apprehended individuals were handed over to the District Forest Division, Akola, for further investigation under the Wildlife Protection Act, DRI officials said. A probe was on into the the suspects’ links, officials said.

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