Two arrested for poaching pangolin, trying to sell it for Rs 30 lakh in Asifabad

Two persons were arrested in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district for allegedly poaching and attempting to sell a live pangolin. Forest officials seized the endangered animal and said more suspects may be involved in the illegal wildlife trade

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Two persons were arrested for allegedly poaching an endangered live pangolin and trying to sell it to buyers at Jodeghat village in Kerameri mandal on Monday.

Forest officials said that Satyanarayana and Athram Koddu from Pawarguda hamlet were nabbed for catching the pangolin, a species listed under Schedule I. Around six more persons are suspected to have been involved in the offence.

---

Officials sent decoys and learnt that the duo were negotiating the sale of the live pangolin to buyers from Sironcha. They demanded Rs 1 crore, but the deal was tentatively closed at Rs 30 lakh.

In the meantime, District Forest Officer Neeraj Kumar Tebriwal commended the enforcement team, including Forest Range Officer Srinivas Reddy G, FBO Anil L, a member of the dog squad from Jannaram, and forest officials Vijay Prakash and Sakaram from Jodeghat Range for arresting the poachers.