Siliguri, 15th August: Sukna Forest Department arrested a man with pangolin scales during a raid in the Vishwas Colony area of Matigara based on information provided by the Border Unit of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The arrested accused has been identified as Bikash Khalkho, a resident of Damdim.
According to the Forest Department, the accused was allegedly planning to smuggle the pangolin scales to Nepal through Panitanki. However, forest officials arrested him before the alleged smuggling attempt could be carried out. The seized pangolin scales are estimated to have a market value of around ₹2.5 lakh.
A case has been registered against the accused, who was produced before the Kurseong court. The Forest Department has started an investigation into the incident.