Trade in animals' body parts still on in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The arrest of three persons with elephant tusks by the sleuths of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in Chirang district in the State lends credence to the continuation of smuggling and trafficking of animal body parts in the State.

The three persons were arrested with four elephant tusks, weighting 16.85 kg, in a joint operation by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Guwahati, SSB 15 Bn and Chirang Forest Division in the Koilamoila area in Chirang district recently.

One of the three arrested persons received injury during the operation. He has been admitted to the hospital. The other two accused were produced before the Court.

During the operation, the four accused fled the spot, and it was suspected that they had sharp weapons like dao (machetes), talwars etc., with them.

The three arrested persons have been identified as Nabeswar Basumatary, Rameswar Basumatary and Murjha Narzary.

A case (PS/23 of 2020/21 dated 12/11/2020) was registered at the Protection Squad Range, Chirang Forest Division. Investigation is underway.

Animals' body parts like skin, furs, tusks, horns, teeth etc., are smuggled for various purposes like healing diseases, ornaments etc. The continuation of this illegal business in the State adds to the killing of wildlife in the State.

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