ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday expressed deep concern over the rescue of five baby orangutans from Ranakatha Reserve Forest in Bhogarai block of Baleshwar district, saying Odisha would never be allowed to become a transit route for the illegal transportation of exotic wildlife. Majhi also directed the Odisha Police’s Special Task Force (STF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), which are probing the incident, to determine how and under what circumstances the rare animals reached Odisha.
Despite his busy schedule in Dubai, the Chief Minister has been closely monitoring developments in Odisha and has taken the matter seriously, sources said. He directed officials to ascertain how the orangutans reached Baleshwar and uncover the circumstances and background surrounding their movement. “Odisha will never be allowed to become a transit route for the illegal transportation of exotic wildlife,” Majhi said. He further directed the authorities to identify any network involved in the illegal transportation of the animals and take stringent action against those found responsible.
The CM has sought clarity on several key aspects of the case, including the route through which the animals were brought to Odisha, how they entered the state, who was involved in their trans portation and the purpose for which they were being brought into the state. He also directed the authorities to coordinate with the concerned agencies of the Government of India, the WCCB and other wildlife and law-enforcement agencies during the investigation.
Meanwhile, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia Thursday said the orangutans were being properly cared for at Nandankanan Zoological Park. The minister said discussions were underway with the Central Zoo Authority and the National Board for Wildlife on the next course of action for the animals. He added that Odisha was also in talks with the West Bengal government and would work with the state’s concerned departments and authorities as part of the probe into the suspected smuggling network. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage showing a black SUV allegedly moving sus piciously in the area. The minister said local forest officials and residents were being questioned as part of the investigation.