Jashpurnagar . In a joint operation by the officers and employees of the Jashpur Forest Division along with the officers and employees of the Gumla Forest Division, an accused involved in the illegal purchase and sale of pangolin scales (bark) was arrested on February 11.

According to information received from the department, a joint team conducted a planned operation based on confidential information. During the operation, the accused, a resident of Ranpur village, Narayanpur police station, Jashpur, was caught illegally trading pangolin scales. Pangolin scales were recovered from the accused's possession.

Pangolins are a rare and protected species of wildlife, listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hunting, trading, or illegally transporting wildlife in this category carries severe penalties. A forest offense case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Act, and he has been duly arrested. A detailed investigation is underway, and a search is underway for other individuals involved in this illegal network.

The Forest Department has appealed to the public to cooperate in wildlife conservation and to immediately report any illegal activity to the nearest forest office. Wildlife conservation is our collective responsibility.