Leopard Skin, 15 Claws Seized in Pune; Two Junnar Men Arrested in Wildlife Smuggling Case
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 9th July 2026: In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Pune Forest Department arrested two men and seized a leopard skin, 15 claws, and two canine teeth during a joint operation conducted near Purple Cafe in Sangamwadi on Wednesday.
The accused have been identified as Adesh Revji Pardhi (25) and Shubham Balu Pardhi (21), both residents of Warkhede Dingore village in Junnar taluka of Pune district.
Caught with Leopard Parts
Acting on a confidential tip-off, forest officials laid a trap near Purple Cafe and apprehended the duo while they were allegedly attempting to smuggle body parts of a leopard (Panthera pardus), a Schedule I species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The officials seized a leopard skin, 15 claws, and two canine teeth from the accused. A forest offence has been registered against them under Sections 2(16), 2(36), 2(37), 9, 39, 40, 44, 48A, 49, 49B, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to four days of Forest Department custody. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify and dismantle the larger wildlife trafficking network linked to the case.
Stringent Punishment Under Wildlife Law
The Forest Department said offences involving Schedule I species attract stringent penalties under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Those convicted face imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend to seven years, along with a minimum fine of ₹25,000.
Operation Led by Senior Forest Officials
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Ashish Thakare, Conservator of Forests, Pune Forest Circle; Abhijit Waykos, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune; Amol Thorat, Divisional Forest Officer (Vigilance); and Vishal Chavan, Assistant Conservator of Forests.
The raid was led by Rushikesh Chavan, Range Forest Officer (Protection and Encroachment Eradication Mobile Squad), and Nandkumar Patil, Range Forest Officer, Pune.
The team also included Foresters R. T. Rupanwar, Vaibhav Babar, and Shital Khendke, along with Forest Guards Vaibhav Kenk, Ankush Kachare, Anil Rathod, Ramesh Shinde, Ashok Gaikwad, Suresh Barle, Dayanand Aitwad, Ganesh Yamgar, Omkar Gund, and Ulhas More.
Forest Department Appeals for Public Cooperation
Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhijit Waykos said the operation was launched immediately after receiving credible information about the illegal trade in leopard body parts.
“Based on reliable information regarding the smuggling of leopard body parts, the Forest Department laid a trap and apprehended the suspects. A detailed investigation is underway to identify other members of the trafficking network. Hunting and trafficking of wildlife are serious offences, and strict legal action will be taken against those involved. Such illegal activities will not be tolerated,” he said.
Waikos also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to wildlife to the Forest Department or through its helpline 1926.
