Shillong. Jan 27: The forest department recently seized pangolin scales from a person in East Garo Hills
The accused sustained injuries while he was trying to flee during the raid.
A forest official said that during a joint operation conducted at Dinamingre by the wildlife wing of the Forest and Environment Department in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to detect illegal trade and trafficking of wildlife and wildlife articles, it was found that Greatwill R. Sangma, a resident of Bolkingre, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills possessed 6 kg 650 gram of pangolin scales, a scheduled wildlife article, constituting a cognizable offence under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Sangma evaded arrest, though the team made attempts.
The forest official said that during the process to apprehend and scare the absconding accused and to ensure that he does not escape, the wildlife staff resorted to two rounds of blank fire in the air.
While fleeing, Sangma sustained injuries, ‘which were incidental to the situation arising during flight from the scene and not due to any direct firearm assault by wildlife staff,’ the official added.
The WCCB field officer and wildlife staff informed the parents of Sangma about the incident and requested them to advise him to surrender before the authorities if he returned home.
Subsequently, local villagers informed the wildlife staff that Sangma had sustained injuries and was seeking medical treatment at Tura Civil Hospital.
After he was discharged from the hospital, he decided to continue herbal treatment at home.
Earlier, on December 17, an FIR was lodged at Williamnagar Police Station, followed by the filing of a complaint before the court on December 19.
Controversy after MP’s statement
Though the incident took place in December last year, a news report on January 23 quoted Tura MP Saleng Sangma seeking action against the wildlife staff after a counter FIR was filed by the accused 16 days after the incident.
Sources said that while fleeing, a few splinters hit the accused, and that the wild staff fired only in the air.
