The held accused has been identified as Khela Mahali, a resident of Gundihundi area.
Based on a tip-off that Khela is involved in illegal wildlife trade, a Forest team raided his house in Gundihundi today morning. The staff recovered 5 kg barking deer meat stored by the accused to sell later, from the spot and took him into custody, informed Dilip Kumar Barik, Assistant Coservator of Forests (ACF), Baripada Forest Division.
A bike used in transporting the barking deer meat was also seized during the raid, says report.
While a few more people’s involvement is being suspected in the wildlife smuggling in the area, quizzing of the held accused is underway to examine the same.
