Bhatli: A special team of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Tuesday night conducted raids at a place near Lakhanpur village under Debrigarh Sanctuary in Bargarh district and seized 80 sambar deer horns weighing about 28 kg and four bear nails.
They also arrested Sujit Kumar Bhue (27) of Gaurpali, a neighbouring village of Lakhanpur, for his involvement in the case and produced him in a court. The officials registered a case under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Acting on allegations over killing of wild animals in Barapahad area of the district and smuggling of their hide, horns and meat, the team raided the area.
Bhatli range officer Rajendra Kumar Bhoi, foresters Sudam Jagadala, RK Singh and GR Bibhar, forest guards Debendra Padhan and Ramesh Padhan took part in the raids. Two WCCB officials Rajiv Dixit and Dilbahar Singh of Jabalpur supervised the operation. PNN
