Dibrugarh, Feb 16: In a crackdown on wildlife smuggling, Assam police arrested two individuals and seized a leopard skin and bones from their possession in Moran.

The accused have been identified as Madhurajya Sonowal and Pankaj Baruah, both residents of Moran.

According to reports, the Customs Department apprehended Madhurajya Sonowal on Saturday while he was attempting to sell the leopard skin and bones in Ghaspuria, Moran. During interrogation, Sonowal disclosed that Pankaj Baruah had provided him with the animal parts and assured him a payment of ₹2 lakh for the transaction.

Following this revelation, a joint operation by Moran police and the Forest Department on Sunday led to the arrest of Pankaj Baruah from Nahorani, Moran.

Notably, Pankaj Baruah had recently made headlines for capturing a black panther using a homemade cage. Prior to that, he had also captured a leopard and handed it over to the Forest Department.

“I don’t know when the leopard was killed. Pankaj Baruah killed it and even ate its flesh. I don’t know much about the animal,” claimed Madhurajya Sonowal.

Both accused are currently in Moran police custody.

“We have initiated an investigation into the case,” said an official.

Also Read: Advantage Assam 2.0: Govt to focus on private investment to propel economic transformation

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