Bhubaneswar,Sep 8 (Agency) The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Kantamal has convicted a wildlife criminal and sentenced him three years imprisonment along with a fine of Rs.10,000 for illegally possessing a leopard skin. The accused identified as Mahendra of Badalguda village in Boudh district was booked under section 379/411/ 120 (B)IPC r.w. 51 the Wild Life (Protection) Act. He was convicted and sentenced to undergo R.I. for three years and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000 and in default to further undergo for six months for the offences by the court.
The STF apprehended the accused on April 28,2021near Bandhanjhulli, under Manamundapolice station limit in Boudh district. The STF team recovered one Leopard Skin from his possession. After successful investigation, a charge sheet was submitted U/S 379/411/120 (B)IPC r.w. Sec. 51 the Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972. During investigation the seized Leopard skin was also sent to WildLife Institute of India, Dehradun for biological chemical examination and opinion was received affirmatively. During the trial prosecution has examined seven witnesses in the case. This is the first Wildlife case in Odisha where maximum punishment has been awarded to the accused person under Wildlife Protection Act,STF sources said.