A blue car intercepted near Manchar led to the seizure of pangolin scales, claws and sambar antlers. The accused from Raigad were booked under Crime No. 09/2026 and later granted bail by a local court
Pangolin scales drive the illegal trade. Pic/Abhishek Deshmukh
Forest officials in Pune district seized nearly 3 kg of pangolin scales, claws and sambar antlers after intercepting a car near Manchar, in what authorities describe as a significant wildlife trafficking haul involving one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.
Two men from Raigad district were arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act and later granted bail by a local court.
Wildlife parts seized by the authorities. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Seizure snapshot
Location: Manchar, Pune district
Vehicle intercepted: Blue car (MH 04 DY 3567)
Wildlife parts seized:
. ~3 kg pangolin scales
. 3 pangolin claws
. 4 sambar antlers
. Vehicle and wildlife material were taken into custody.
Accused
. Uday Shankar Surve, Shrivardhan, Raigad
. Naveen Karim Khan, Shrivardhan, Raigad
Case registered:
Crime No. 09/2026
Law invoked:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Both were arrested on February 16 and granted bail the next day.
Why the case is serious
Both Pangolin and Sambar are protected under Schedule I, the highest level of protection under Indian wildlife law.
Punishment for illegal trade:
. Up to 7 years imprisonment
. Fine up to R25,000
Forest Range Officer Vikas Bhosale urged the public to report wildlife crimes.
“People must avoid any involvement in illegal wildlife trade and inform authorities if they receive such information,” he said.
Pangolins in India
Species present- Status
. Indian pangolin- Endangered
. Chinese pangolin- Critically Endangered
Poaching numbers
According to wildlife groups:
. Nearly 6000 pangolins poached in India (2009-2017)
. Around 20 tonnes trafficked globally each year
About the animal
Pangolins are shy, nocturnal mammals that feed mainly on ants and termites. Their keratin scales act as armour, but also make them targets for traffickers.
Awareness note
World Pangolin Day: February 17
The day highlights threats faced by one of the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals
Why pangolins are targeted
Pangolin scales drive the illegal trade.
These are falsely believed to have medicinal value in parts of Asia.
Demand includes:
. Scales
. Claws
. Bones and organs
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