The accused person has been identified as Keshab Sahoo of Abhimanpur village in the district.
Acting on a tip off about a deal of sale of live pangolin, the STF team conducted a raid near Abhimanpur village and apprehended the accused person.
The STF team seized one live pangolin and other incriminating materials from his possession.
As Sahoo failed to produce any valid documents in support of the possession of a live pangolin for which he was arrested, official sources said.
A case in this connection was registered by the STF under Section 379/411/120(B) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) read with Section 51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, sources added.
The seized live pangolin will be handed over to DFO cum Wildlife Warden, Athagarh for the safe custody of the animal, officials said.
The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), also called thick-tailed pangolin, scaly anteater and Bajrakapta in Odia is a solitary, shy, slow-moving, nocturnal mammal.
It is a schedule I protected animal under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Schedule I provides absolute protection – offences under these are prescribed for the highest penalties.
