Berhampur: The Forest Department on Wednesday arrested a 35-year-old man after the carcasses of 33 migratory birds were seized from two gunny bags he was carrying near a water body under the Chilika Wildlife Division.

The accused has been identified as Pradeep Mallick of Bhusandapur. Officials said he was caught red-handed during a routine patrol, while another person involved in the alleged poaching managed to escape. A search operation is underway to trace the second accused.

According to the Chilika Wildlife Division, the seized carcasses belonged to three protected species: Northern Shoveller (9), Northern Pintail (23) and Pheasant-tailed Jacana (1). These species are listed under the Schedule categories of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Tissue samples of the dead birds were collecte

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