📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bdmshiva
Crime
Govt Pump Room Served as Safe House for Live Pangolin; 3 Arrested in Chhattisgarh-Odisha
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 12:02 AM
👁 3
Authorities discovered a government pump room being used as a temporary shelter for a live pangolin and arrested three suspects during coordinated raids in Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Police teams from the wildlife crime units of Chhattisgarh and Odisha carried out simultaneous operations after intelligence indicated that a government pump room was being used to hide a live pangolin. The animal, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, was found in the facility, prompting a swift rescue and transfer to a forest department sanctuary.
During the raids, investigators detained three individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal wildlife trade. All three were taken into custody for further questioning and are likely to face charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The operation underscores the growing vigilance of state authorities against the trafficking of endangered species. Officials said they will continue to monitor government premises to prevent misuse for illicit activities and have urged the public to report any suspicious wildlife handling.
The rescued pangolin will receive veterinary care before being released back into its natural habitat, according to the forest department.
The arrests mark a coordinated effort between the two states to curb wildlife crime, a priority highlighted in recent national anti‑poaching directives.
During the raids, investigators detained three individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal wildlife trade. All three were taken into custody for further questioning and are likely to face charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The operation underscores the growing vigilance of state authorities against the trafficking of endangered species. Officials said they will continue to monitor government premises to prevent misuse for illicit activities and have urged the public to report any suspicious wildlife handling.
The rescued pangolin will receive veterinary care before being released back into its natural habitat, according to the forest department.
The arrests mark a coordinated effort between the two states to curb wildlife crime, a priority highlighted in recent national anti‑poaching directives.