SRINAGAR, Aug 13:The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained eight people from Jammu and Kashmir who were engaged in the illicit wildlife trade and seized four leopard skins.
The DRI began an operation after learning about the transaction from a few gang members in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Teams of DRI from the Mumbai Zonal Unit (Goa Regional Unit) arrived in Srinagar, J&K. The officers pretended to be interested buyers of the leopard skin while a thorough strategy to find the culprits was prepared.Following numerous rounds of discussions, the officers located the remaining men and transported the first leopard skin to Srinagar near Dalgate.
Eight people, including a police officer in the line of duty, were caught up in the illicit wildlife trade in all, and a total of four leopard (Panthera pardus) skins were collected.
According to preliminary investigations, the leopards were stolen from Ladakh, Doda, and Uri.
The leopard skin was confiscated in accordance with section 50(1)(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the 8 people were arrested and charged with violating the Act before being turned over to the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Wild Life Protection officers.
