Odisha won’t become a transit route for wildlife smuggling: CM Mohan Charan Majhi
BHUBANESWAR: Expressing serious concern over the alleged illegal movement of exotic wildlife through the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday ordered a detailed investigation into the rescue of five orangutan infants in Balasore district.
Majhi, currently in Dubai on a four-day visit, said, “Odisha will not be allowed to become a transit route for illegal movement of exotic wildlife.”
He directed officials to identify those involved in it and ascertain whether any organised network was operating behind their transportation. He ordered stringent action against anyone found to be involved.“The investigation will specifically examine the route used to bring the animals into Odisha, how they entered the state, who transported them and the purpose for which they were being moved,” the CMO said.
Majhi has also directed the state authorities to coordinate with the central government, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and other wildlife and law-enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation.He ordered that the rescued orangutans be provided appropriate medical treatment, security and necessary care in accordance with established wildlife protection protocols.
Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police has joined hands with West Bengal Police to expand the sphere of investigation. They have intensified examination of CCTV footages in the border areas to ascertain whether the national highway-16 or internal roads between the two neighbouring states were used for trafficking the orangutans. Two teams of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau from Kolkata and Bhopal have also joined the forest and police teams. The investigators are also focusing on the Thar vehicle which was spotted in the area, besides other digital footprints and local intelligence to crack the case. They are also verifying if any other vehicle had travelled to the spot before the orangutans were rescued.
“West Bengal Police are assisting Odisha Police to collect clues in connection with the case. Purba Medinipur SP Angshuman Saha’s team is extending support to us in our investigation,” said a senior police officer.