Siliguri, 03rd June: In a proactive operation, the forest department successfully intercepted a leopard skin smuggling attempt and arrested a suspect in the process. Acting on a tip-off, the forest workers of Sarugara Range, Baikunthapur Forest Department, launched a campaign in the Odlabari area, leading to the recovery of the illegal wildlife product.
On Friday afternoon, the forest workers stopped a four-wheeler during their search and found the leopard skin concealed within the vehicle. Subsequently, they apprehended a suspect identified as Mohammad Belal Ali, a 33-year-old resident of Chalsa in Jalpaiguri district.
The recovered leopard skin measures approximately 80 cm in length and 30 cm in width, according to the forest department. During the interrogation of the accused, it was revealed that there was a planned route to smuggle the leopard skin to China via Malbazar. The forest department has initiated a thorough investigation to determine whether a larger smuggling network is involved in this illegal trade. Today, Mohammad Belal Ali was produced before the Jalpaiguri court.