Guwahati, Aug 17: The Special Task Force of Assam police and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) on Wednesday arrested two persons in connection with smuggling and wildlife trade from Assam’s West Karbi Anglong and Shillong.

The arrested persons have been identified as Rindik Teringpi and her son Nida Singh Senar. Rindik was arrested from West Karbi Anglong while Nida was arrested from Shillong.

The team also seized pangolin scales from their possession.

Kalyan Pathak, Additional SP, STF said, “On Wednesday, we have arrested two persons in connection with wildlife crime. One was arrested from West Karbi Anglong and another accused was nabbed from Shillong. We have arrested both of them in a follow up case related to wildlife crime and trade. Our team have seized pangolin scales from their possession. The investigation points towards involvement of some transnational border illegal wildlife contraband trade.”

He added, “We are investigating every aspect of the case. Many angles are related with this case. Both of them were produced to Court.”

On June 29, 2023, four accused along with Tiger skin and bones were seized by officials of Azara police station and handed over to Forest Department. The case involved inter-state ramifications as the poaching was done at Gadchiroli, Maharashtra and the contraband was to be transported to Meghalaya for further delivery.

Considering the organised network involvement, the case was handed over to WCCB on August 8, 2023 and Offence Case No. G/1 of 2023 u/s 9/39/40/48A/49B/51 Of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 SRO, WCCB, Guwahati was registered and investigated.

Sources said poachers have been targeting the endangered and vulnerable species and after trapping them through various means, they transport them to other countries through international border.

In recent times, Myanmar has become a hub of international wildlife trade. The endangered species which were smuggled were transported through Myanmar route.

“We are taking all possible measures to curb wildlife trade. Recently, many poachers and smugglers were arrested. After further interrogation, many things have been come out in connection with wild life trade,” a police source said.

Also read: Assam Police implements BMI evaluation to enhance health and fitness of police personnel

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