DRI Pune Unit Foils Leopard Skin Trade in Akola, Three Arrested
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 27th January 2025: Based on specific intelligence, that certain individuals based in Akot, Akola district, Maharashtra, were attempting to trade leopard skin in contravention of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, officers of DRI Pune unit maintained surveillance and intercepted the offenders after a chase in the forest area of Akot.
Three individuals—two carriers and one mediator—were apprehended. The officers recovered one leopard skin (80.5 inches x 25 inches) from their possession.
The specimen was seized under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Leopards are listed in Schedule I of the Act, and the trade, sale, purchase, or possession of leopard skin or any part of the animal is strictly prohibited.
The seized specimen and the three apprehended individuals were handed over to the District Forest Division, Akola, for further investigation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
