A leopard skin seized from a man arrested in Dongri has prompted the forest department to investigate whether the animal was killed within Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The forest department is trying to trace the source of the pelt. Wildlife researchers will examine its distinctive rosette pattern and compare it with camera-trap images of leopards from SGNP to determine whether it matches any known individual.

Sale attempt

Dongri police arrested Nikhil Sonawane, a Tardeo resident, on August 9 for allegedly attempting to sell a leopard skin. Acting on a tip-off that a suspect was heading into their jurisdiction to conduct the sale, a police team launched an operation and recovered the 2.5 kg pelt. A source from the forest department told mid-day, “The accused is currently being questioned to ascertain where the skin was procured from and trace the wider supply network.”