By ayush 
Kandhamal: Acting on a tip off, a team of STF seized one leopard skin and arrested two miscreants on Phubani-Baliguda road near Dahapadar Chhack under Phulbani Sadar Police Station of Kandhamal District.
The two criminals who apprehended were identified as Pradip Mallick, 35 years S/o-Das Mallick of Budruma village and Gutusha Pradhan, 56 years S/o. Late Dahaadi Pradhan of Budruma PS. K Nuagoan Dist. Kandhamal
During search one number of leopard skin along with other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of such Leopard Skin, for which they have been arrested and forwarded to the Court of SDJM, Phulbani Dist. Kandhamal. In this connection STF PS Case No. 09Dt.21.04.2025 U/s. 303(2)/317(2)/61(2) BNS,2023 r/w. Sec.51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was registered. The skin will be sent to Director Widlife Institute of India, Derhadun for biological examination. Investigation is underway.