Orangutan Trafficking Probe: Clearer Picture Likely In Days, Says Odisha Minister
STF probing possible wildlife smuggling racket; minister says action will follow if negligence established: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: The investigation into the mysterious arrival of five orangutan juveniles in Odisha is likely to provide a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding their transportation to the state within the next few days, forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said on Thursday.
The minister said investigators were examining the case from all possible angles, including how the rare animals reached Balasore and whether a larger wildlife-trafficking network was involved. He cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation was completed, but indicated that authorities had reasons to suspect the involvement of a racket.
The five orangutans were rescued from a forested area in Balasore district on September 8 and subsequently shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they have been kept under quarantine and medical supervision. The Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF), along with wildlife authorities, has been investigating the suspected trafficking angle.
“The investigation into the matter is underway. Once the investigation is completed, we will inform about the findings. The department cannot interfere or take action without a proper investigation,” Khuntia said.
He said the case required examination from several angles and that the investigating teams needed some more time to establish the facts.
“I have said earlier that there is definitely a racket involved in this matter. However, we need some time to establish the facts,” the minister said, adding that adverse weather conditions in several parts of the state had also affected the movement of investigation teams.
Khuntia said the government would take action against anyone found responsible for negligence after the investigation established the facts.
“It would be wrong to reach any conclusion before the investigation is complete. A scientific investigation needs to be conducted, and the concerned teams are working in that direction. Definitely, within a few days, we should have more clarity on the matter. If anyone is found to have been negligent, action will certainly be taken against them in accordance with the rules and regulations,” he said.
