Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of Odisha Commissionerate Police busted a well-organised inter-State racket while foiling a tiger skin smuggling deal in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. The raid was carried out behind a luxury five-star hotel in the Capital. Three persons including the mastermind have been arrested and a leopard hide seized from their possession.

Key accused Rohit Mahapatra (26) along with his agents Sambhu Bisoi (23) and Manjeet Sabat (21) have been produced in court and brought on remand for further interrogation.

Police informed that Rohit was executing the smuggling deals across States through agents since last eight months. His aides were given commission depending on the nature of deals finalised with various part

See Full Page