By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, November 14, 2021 : The Special Task Force of Odisha Police has seized an elephant tusk and arrested a man for allegedly indulging in illegal trading of wildlife body parts in Bargarh district.

Acting on information about illegal possession of elephant tusk by wildlife criminals, a team of the STF conducted a raid with the help of Padmapur Forest Range officials under Baragarh Forest Division, near Kendubhatta, Gaisilat of Bargarh district on Saturday, police said.

Representative Image

During the raid a man was apprehended, police said, adding that one elephant tusk and other materials were seized from his possession.

As the accused person could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of elephant tusk, he has been handed over to Bargarh forest officials for necessary legal action at their end. Investigation is in progress, they said.

During last one year, in special drive against the wildlife criminals and poachers the STF has seized 20 leopard skin, 11 elephant tusk, 2 deerskin, 6 live pangolin and 15 kg pangolin scales and arrested 43 wildlife criminals, they said.