The following is a copy of a Delhi Police press release.

International Gang of Smugglers of Wildlife Trophies Busted

Date : 07, April’2005

With the arrest of (1) Anand @ Toshi S/o Nyima Dorjee R/o B-238, Nehru Vihar, Timar Pur, Delhi, (2) Lobsang Phuntsok S/o Tsring R/o H.NO. 165, Old Camp, Majnu Ka Tilla, Timar Pur, Delhi and (3) Jeet Bahadur Damang S/o Sahila R/o Johara Patti, Ward No.7, Kathmandu, Nepal, North District Police has busted an international racket indulging in illegal trade of wild animal Trophies.

INCIDENT

A secret information regarding illegal trafficking of trophies of wild animals from Majnu Ka Tilla was received in PS Timar Pur. On this information a team led by Inspector T.R. Mongia and consisting of SI Suman Kumar, HC Raj Singh, Ct. Jai Bhagwan, Ct. Rajbir, Ct. Ram Phal and Ct. Chhotey Lal was constituted to develop further information. A specific tip in this regard was received on 6th April’2005 that three persons in possession of trophies of wild animals can be apprehended near pontoon bridge crossing on Outer Ring Road as they were expected to pass through that side. Accordingly, a trap was laid and the three persons were arrested wit the trophies in their possession.

INVESTIGATION

On search of their bags of accused Anand @ Toshi, Lobsang Phuntsok & Jeet Bahadur, total of 59 trophies of wild animals were recovered. These consisted of 45 Leopard skins and 14 Otter skins. During interrogation they confessed to their crime and disclosed that they were given these trophies by one Shwang reportedly resident of Nepal, who had told them that he had bought these trophies from the men working for notorious poacher Sansar Chand R/o Sadar Bazar, Delhi. A case has been registered in this regard at PS Timar Pur under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

These trophies were to be transported to Nepal. Shwang had already left for Nepal and hunt is on to apprehend him. Further investigation in the case is on.

PROFILES OF ACCUSED

1. Anand @ Toshi, aged 30 years is a resident of Nehru Vihar, Timar Pur, Delhi & has studied upto 12th standard. He is married. He has two brothers and one sister. He has been engaged in the smuggling of trophies for the last one year. He was arranging storage and transportation of trophies to Nepal and was getting Rs.5,000/- in lieu of his services.

2. Lobsang Phuntsok, aged 50 years is a resident of Old Camp Majnu Ka Tilla, Timar Pur, Delhi and studied upto 5th Class. He is living alone. He has been engaged in the smuggling of trophies for the last 3-4 years. In this case, he had stored the trophies at his accommodation for a consideration of Rs.5,000/-.

3. Jeet Bahadur Damang, aged 30 years is the resident of Kathmandu, Nepal and studied upto 8th class. He is carried and has two children. He as been engaged in the smuggling trophies for the last 7-8 years. He was the carrier of these trophies to Nepal who would get Rs.1000/- per piece after safe delivery at Kathmandu.

RECOVERY

1. 45 Trophies of Leopard (reportedly worth Rs.36 lacs approx. in international market.
2. 14 trophies of Otter (reportedly worth Rs.4 lacs approx. in internationals market)

TEAM

The team was led by Insp. T.R. Mongia, SHO/Timar Pur, assisted by SI Suman Kumar and
consisted of:-

1. HC Raj Singh
2. Ct. Jai Bhagwan
3. Ct. Rajbir
4. Ct.Ram Phal
5. Ct. Chhotey Lal.

The entire operation was conducted under close supervision of Shri Rajan Bhagat, ACP/Civil Lines.

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
NORTH DISTRICT:DELHI