17 February,2026 08:14 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
The team of officials and the accused from who they seized the leopard claws, canine teeth and sambar antlers. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Junnar Forest Division arrested two men for allegedly possessing and attempting to trade body parts of protected wildlife, including leopard claws and sambar antlers, officials said.
The action followed a tip-off received on February 16, 2026, about wildlife contraband being transported near Manchar.
A trap was set near Morade Foods Company, behind Jhatka Khanavali, where officials intercepted a white Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.
During the search, the forest team seized approximately 3 kg of leopard claws, 3 leopard canine teeth and 4 sambar antlers, the officials said.
The vehicle used in the offence was also confiscated.
The arrested men were identified as Uday Shankar Surve, resident of Shirset, Shrivardhan, Raigad, and Nazim Karim Khan, resident of Vadvali, Shrivardhan, Raigad.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Sections 9, 39, 48(A), 51) at Manchar Forest Range (Offence No. WT-04/2026). Hunting, possession, transportation, and trade of protected wildlife species are serious offences, punishable with up to seven years in prison and fines, according to forest officials.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Ashish Vankore, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Pune, and Prashant Khade, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Junnar Division. The team included Vikas Bhosale (RFO), Lokesh Patil (Deputy RFO), Amrut Shinde (Forester), and several forest guards.
The accused were presented before the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, Ghodegaon, and granted bail. Investigations are ongoing to trace further links in the illegal wildlife trade network.
