Balasore forest officials arrest 11 people for smuggling tiger hide

BALASORE: After arresting eleven persons in connection with smuggling of a tiger skin in Soro, forest officials of both the Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts suspect the involvement of more people and continue the investigation into the case.

A team of Balasore forest division arrested seven persons with the tiger hide and later rounded up another four for their involvement on Monday. The first operation took place on Sunday night.

Divisional forest officer of Balasore Khushwant Singh said that after getting intelligence inputs about the trade of wildlife articles in Brajadeuli beat of Chandipur wildlife range, a special team comprising members from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts was formed. The team raided a place where four persons were found in possession of a tiger hide. Preliminary investigation revealed more people were involved and three more were arrested.