Raipur/Bhanupratappur: In a major success against organised wildlife crime, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department has busted an interstate tiger smuggling racket by arresting two alleged wildlife traffickers from Maharashtra and recovering two tiger skins during a joint operation near the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border.
The operation, carried out on the basis of specific intelligence inputs, was led under the supervision of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Arun Kumar Pandey. Officials described the seizure as a significant achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and strengthen tiger conservation.
The tiger, one of India’s most protected wildlife species, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, making offences related to its hunting or trade among the gravest wildlife crimes.
Intelligence-Led Operation Near Interstate Border
According to forest officials, the successful operation was conducted in the Bande Range under the West Bhanupratappur Forest Division, a remote forest area close to the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border.
Based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of wildlife contraband, forest teams laid a trap and intercepted two suspects travelling on a motorcycle.
The accused, identified as Byeshwar and Baburao, both residents of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, were allegedly transporting two tiger skins when they were apprehended by the joint team.
Officials said the accused were caught red-handed before they could escape across the interstate border.
Multi-Agency Coordination Leads to Successful Bust
The Forest Department attributed the success of the operation to effective intelligence sharing and close coordination among multiple wildlife enforcement agencies.
The joint operation involved:
- The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Northern and Central Zones
- Chhattisgarh Forest Department’s Flying Squad
- Anti-Poaching Unit of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR)
- Local officials of the Bhanupratappur Forest Division
Officials said the seamless coordination between state and central agencies played a crucial role in intercepting the smugglers and recovering the wildlife contraband.
Investigation Expands to Larger Wildlife Trafficking Network
Following their arrest, both accused were produced before the local court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
However, officials believe the two arrests represent only a small part of a larger interstate wildlife trafficking syndicate.
The Forest Department has expanded its investigation to identify the source of the tiger skins, the intended buyers, financial backers and other members of the network.
A manhunt has been launched to trace additional suspects believed to be involved in the poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Officials indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
Boost to Tiger Conservation Efforts
The successful operation has been hailed as a major victory for the Chhattisgarh Forest Department in its fight against organised wildlife crime.
Forest authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting India’s tiger population and taking stringent action against poachers and wildlife traffickers operating across state borders.
They also emphasised that sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and stronger enforcement remain critical to dismantling illegal wildlife trade networks and safeguarding endangered species.
