Shillong, Aug 3 : The Meghalaya Forest Department has achieved significant success in its ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime through two intelligence-led enforcement operations conducted by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division in Ri Bhoi District.
On July18, acting on specific intelligence received from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) regarding suspected illegal wildlife trade along the Nongpoh–Umden Road, the Nongpoh Wildlife Range conducted a search and interception operation at Umwang Road. During the operation, the wildlife enforcement team intercepted two suspects matching the intelligence inputs. A thorough search resulted in the recovery of four elephant tusks, suspected to be from the Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus), from their possession. The two accused, Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri Bhoi District, were apprehended on the spot. The seized wildlife articles were taken into custody, and the accused were arrested in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. A case has been registered at the Nongpoh Wildlife Range, and further investigation is underway.
In another intelligence-based operation conducted on 2 August at Shakhoikuna Village, Ri Bhoi District, the Nongpoh Wildlife Range intercepted three suspected individuals. During the operation, two polythene bags containing wildlife articles suspected to be pangolin scales were recovered. Two persons, Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup District, Assam, were apprehended, while one suspect managed to escape. The suspected wildlife articles were seized in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. A separate case has been registered at the Nongpoh Wildlife Range, and further investigation is in progress.
Elephants and pangolins are among India’s most protected wildlife species under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife derivatives poses a serious threat to the country’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
