In a significant wildlife crime bust, a 25-year-old man was apprehended with two elephant tusks inside the protected area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), officials confirmed on Wednesday. This marks the first recovery of elephant tusks in the reserve since the year 2022, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating illegal wildlife trade.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The accused has been identified as Sachin Gupta, a resident of Bareysarn village. The arrest and subsequent seizure were executed by a specialized team from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), which acted on a precise tip-off. Each of the seized tusks weighed approximately one kilogram, and preliminary investigations suggest they may belong to a sub-adult elephant or could be fragments from a full-grown tusk.
Operational Strategy and Legal Proceedings
According to sources, WCCB personnel cleverly posed as potential buyers to set up a decoy trap, which ultimately led to Gupta's arrest on January 25. He was produced before a court the following day and has been booked under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. The incident came to public light on January 27, following official confirmations.
Deputy director of the south division of PTR, Kumar Ashish, verified the arrest and seizure, emphasizing the bureau's proactive approach. "Acting on a precise tip-off, the bureau conducted the operation," Ashish stated, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-led actions in wildlife conservation efforts.
Background and Investigation Insights
PTR sources revealed that Gupta has no prior record of wildlife-related offences, making this case particularly noteworthy. A forest guard initially lodged the case, after which the accused was handed over to PTR authorities for further legal proceedings. During interrogation, officials noted that Gupta failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for how the tusks came into his possession or what his intentions were with them, despite his attempts to claim innocence.
This arrest underscores the persistent threats faced by elephant populations and the critical role of agencies like the WCCB in enforcing wildlife protection laws. It also serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to curb such illegal activities in sensitive ecological zones like Palamu Tiger Reserve.
