In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Forest Department in Jharkhand has arrested four individuals and recovered four pangolins, estimated to be worth ₹70 lakhs. The arrests were made in a village in the Gudabanda area of East Singhbhum. The accused were involved in the illegal trade of pangolins, an endangered species. Each pangolin weighed around 20 kilograms.
The arrested individuals include Sadhu Kalundia, Khela Murmu, Piru Bandra, and Guru Das. Kalundia was paid ₹500 per day to conceal the pangolins. Investigations suggest a larger network is involved in the smuggling of rare wildlife in the area. The Forest Department is conducting further inquiries to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking ring. Pangolins are highly prized in international markets, with their scales and meat being in high demand.
This animal, targeted for its scales and meat, is the most trafficked animal in the world. It is reported that even tigers are unable to penetrate the scales of the pangolin.