24 September 2007

Tiger and leopard skins were seized, two elephants were electrocuted, and barasingha antlers were seized in five separate incidents in various parts of India over the previous week.
 
One tiger skin was seized by the Forest Department of Karnataka in Bandipur Tiger Reserve on 21 September. Five people were arrested, two of whom are believed to be traders.  Another two persons are absconding. The tiger was killed on 29th July 2007 by poisoning.
 
On the same day, the Orissa Forest Department seized a leopard skin and two country made guns in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary (a proposed Tiger Reserve). Five people were arrested and sent to judicial custody. The accused are believed to have killed the leopard a week ago in Tikkarpara Reserve Forest.
 
On 23 September the Uttar Pradesh Police seized 24 pairs of barasingha antlers and arrested two men who were transporting them. Two others managed to escape. The men were carrying the antlers in gunny bags to Delhi, where they are believed to be based. Some of them have previous records in wildlife crime.
 
Meanwhile, a tusker was electrocuted by a farm owner on 19 September in Taungiya village, Dehradun Forest Division. The Uttarakhand Forest Department has arrested the farm owner.  In yet another incident a female elephant was electrocuted on 22nd September at Keonjhar Forest Division, Orissa.