PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has arrested two wildlife smugglers from Vikasnagar area of Dehradun on Thursday. The team recovered 155 grams of bear bile and five nails of a wild animal from their possession. They said that these items are banned under the Wildlife Protection Act and their trade is a serious crime.
According to the officials, the STF had received information that a wildlife smuggling racket had been operating in the Vikasnagar area. Acting on the tip-off, the team intercepted a motorcycle near Hatyari village on the Vikasnagar-Yamunotri Road and checked two men riding the bike.
The accused duo has been identified as Bhagwan Singh Rawat and Jitendra Singh Pundir. Bear bile was found with Bhagwan Singh while Jitendra was carrying five animal nails.
The STF senior superintendent of police, Navneet Singh Bhullar said that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in wildlife smuggling. “We are alert round the clock and our local sources are active, too,” he added.
The STF officials said that they have sought help from the Forest department for further investigation.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the accused duo at Vikasnagar police station under the Wildlife Protection Act.
