Did Assam Police STF Successfully Dismantle a Wildlife Trafficking Network?
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Synopsis
A recent operation by the Assam Police STF led to the arrest of two individuals linked to wildlife trafficking. This significant crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to protect endangered species and combat illegal smuggling. Discover the details of this critical event and its implications for wildlife conservation in Assam.
Key Takeaways
- Assam Police STF arrests two wildlife traffickers.
- Operation conducted based on specific intelligence.
- Confiscated items include protected wildlife species.
- Legal proceedings initiated under wildlife protection laws.
- Continued investigations to uncover trafficking networks.
Guwahati, Nov 7 (NationPress) In a significant operation against wildlife trafficking, a squad from the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police apprehended two individuals purportedly engaged in the unlawful smuggling of endangered species, as disclosed by officials on Friday.
The STF successfully confiscated a variety of protected wildlife species and their body parts from the suspects' possession.
An official spokesperson for Assam Police indicated that during a critical operation targeting wildlife traffickers, a team from the STF intercepted two suspects involved in the illicit smuggling of endangered species in the Jakhalabandha region of Nagaon district during the late hours of Thursday and early hours of Friday.
Following actionable intelligence and with backing from the Wildlife Crime Control (WCC) authority, the STF initiated an operation in the Kuthori area, falling under the jurisdiction of Jakhalabandha Police Station on Thursday.
During this operation, the STF team stopped two suspects on a Honda Glamour motorcycle near a local playground and seized various protected wildlife species and their bodily parts.
The apprehended suspects have been identified as Bidya Singnar (30) and Samson Kathar (29), both of whom reside in the Rongmongve area of Karbi Anglong district.
Items recovered from their possession included six Tokay Geckos (locally referred to as Keko Khap), one live Slow Loris (Lajuki Bandor), Pangolin scales weighing 10.630 kilograms, a Honda Glamour motorcycle, and two mobile phones with active SIM cards.
The detained individuals were subsequently transferred by the STF and WCC team to Jakhalabandha Police Station after filing an FIR. Legal actions have commenced under the appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, according to the police spokesperson.
Initial investigations suggest that the confiscated wildlife species and their components were intended for trafficking to international markets, where these items are in considerable demand for illegal trade, he noted.
Officials suspect that the protected wildlife species and their body parts, particularly the Pangolin scales, were illicitly sourced from the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) — recognized as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Further investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
The recent actions taken by the Assam Police STF signify a critical step in addressing the pressing issue of wildlife trafficking. Such operations not only serve to protect endangered species but also highlight the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of wildlife protection laws across the country. The nation stands united in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the STF operation?
The STF operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding illegal wildlife trafficking activities in the area.
What wildlife species were recovered?
The operation resulted in the recovery of six Tokay Geckos, one live Slow Loris, and Pangolin scales weighing 10.630 kilograms.
What legal actions are being taken against the suspects?
The suspects have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Where were the trafficked animals sourced from?
It is suspected that the trafficked species were illegally collected from the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
What is the significance of this operation?
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species in Assam.
