Rayagada, In a major breakthrough against illegal wildlife trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, seized two leopard skins along with four accused persons on 30 August 2025 at Kolnara, along the National Highway.
The very next day, on 31 August 2025, the seized leopard skins were formally handed over to the Range Officer, Rayagada Forest Division. Acting promptly, the forest authorities registered a wildlife offence case under OR No. 93 of 2025-26 and produced the accused before the Honourable SDJM Court, Rayagada.
The accused have been identified as:
Prabhakar Nayak, resident of Nagpur, Maharashtra
Raj Kumar Gupta, resident of Nagpur, Maharashtra
Mahesh Huika, resident of Machhkhunti, Gunupur, Rayagada District
Jisaya Gomango, resident of Anjarsingh, Putasing, Gunupur, Rayagada District
The seizure has brought to light the growing involvement of inter-state rackets in the illegal trade of wildlife products. Forest and enforcement officials have assured strict action against those found guilty, reaffirming their commitment to curb poaching and protect endangered species.
The raid and subsequent case were carried out under the supervision of ACF Ashok Pradhan, with the active participation of Ranger Kameswar Achari, Forester Gouri Sahu, Forest Guard Labanya Majhi and other frontline forest staff of Rayagada Division, in coordination with the DRI team.
