The seized tiger skins and pangolin scales have been secured as evidence while investigators continue efforts to trace the origin of the wildlife articles, identify potential buyers and uncover interstate links in the trafficking network

State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd’s (SAIL)’s unit, Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), which has been allotted the Rowghat mine, confirmed trees had been cut, but denied any violation and maintained the road was built within an area for which statutory forest clearance had already been granted.