In a late-night operation on Friday, the Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with Sidli police station officers, arrested nine suspected wildlife traffickers and rescued eight endangered golden langurs from the Chirang district.
Details of the Operation
The operation was conducted based on intelligence inputs regarding the illegal trafficking of golden langurs. STF SSP Pranab Kumar Pegu stated, “STF personnel launched the operation on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday at Bamungaon Road under Sidli PS. The team intercepted the traffickers and rescued the primates.” The suspects have been identified as Injamamul Hoque Mondal, Abdul Khalek Mondal, Fakir Chand Mondal, Alomgir Mulla, Latibur Sheikh, Mohammed Jamal, Jackson Biswakarma, Ranjit Narzary, and Pinkush Narzary.
Legal Protection and Value
The golden langur is listed as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. According to Pegu, the rescued primates are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Authorities estimated the black market value of these primates at approximately Rs 16 lakh.
Trafficking Network
Preliminary investigation reveals that the langurs had been captured from the Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district and were being trafficked through a network of local intermediaries in Chirang district for delivery to prospective buyers. Investigators suspect the involvement of a larger organised wildlife trafficking syndicate with links extending beyond the state. “Further investigation into the organised interstate and transnational wildlife trafficking network is underway,” the officer added.
Seized Items
During the operation, authorities seized two vehicles, thirteen mobile phones, and incriminating documents. The rescued golden langurs have been handed over to the forest department for rehabilitation.
