The operation was carried out jointly by Wildlife SOS, the Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and the Gujarat Forest Department after they received a confidential tip-off
Five people were arrested, including the main accused who was found with the leopard skin. Pic/Wildlife SOS
A major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade in Gujarat has led to the recovery of a leopard skin and the arrest of five people in Vansda city, Valsad district, officials said.
Range Forest Officers J.D. Rathore and C.R. Patel said the successful raid highlights the constant vigilance and teamwork in stopping wildlife crime. They assured that strict action will be taken against everyone involved.
According to officials, a mediator had offered to sell a leopard skin on behalf of a wildlife trafficker. Undercover members of Wildlife SOS and GSPCA pretended to be buyers and stayed in contact with the trafficker. After several discussions, the trafficker finally agreed to show the leopard skin, confirming that it was real. Once this was verified, the operatives alerted the forest department, who then carried out a coordinated raid.
Wildlife SOS Co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan said the seizure of leopard skin and other body parts is a disturbing reminder of the ongoing poaching crisis. He stressed that Wildlife SOS, GSPCA and the Forest Department are committed to dismantling illegal trade networks and protecting wildlife .
Five people were arrested, including the main accused who was found with the leopard skin.
The operation was carried out jointly by Wildlife SOS, the Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and the Gujarat Forest Department after they received a confidential tip-off.
Investigators believe the animal's other body parts were removed earlier and sold separately, showing that the group was part of a larger wildlife trafficking network.
Raj Bhavsar, Project Coordinator at Wildlife SOS and President of GSPCA, said the sting operation was risky and delicate, adding that traffickers are becoming bold and organised. He confirmed that the investigation will continue to expose more links in the network.
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