Forest officials rescued a live pangolin and arrested one person during an anti-wildlife trafficking operation in Assam’s West Kamrup Forest Division, officials said.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Loharghat Forest Range after they received specific intelligence about the illegal transportation of a protected wild animal. Acting on the information, the team intercepted a vehicle in the Loharghat area and recovered the live pangolin.
The accused, identified as Suren Rabha, was taken into custody on charges of illegally transporting the animal.
Forest officials have launched an investigation to determine where the pangolin was captured and whether the accused is part of a larger wildlife smuggling network operating in the region. They are also trying to identify others who may have been involved in the illegal trade.
The rescued pangolin has been taken into the custody of the Forest Department, and legal proceedings have been initiated under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Officials said the operation forms part of the department’s sustained drive against wildlife trafficking, with intensified surveillance being carried out to curb the illegal trade in endangered species across Assam.
