Guwahati: In a major breakthrough against wildlife smuggling racket, a team from the Assam Forest Department on Saturday seized two elephant tusks and arrested an individual involved in illegal wildlife trade in Assam’s Udalguri district.
The operation was led by Sheshidhar Reddy, the Deputy Field Director of the Manas Tiger Project.
The arrested individual has been identified as Sadhin Narzary (54), a resident of Bongrun village in Udalguri district.
“Breakthrough in a 5-month-long operation by Manas #Tiger Reserve against a #wildlife #smuggling racket! Accused Sadhin Narzary (54) was arrested and two elephant tusks,” the Assam Forest Department posted on X.
Breakthrough in a 5-month-long operation by Manas #Tiger Reserve against a #wildlife #smuggling racket!
Accused Sadhin Narzary (54) was arrested and two elephant tusks weighing around 13 kg were recovered from his residence. Effort is on to nab his accomplice, who is on the run. pic.twitter.com/Ab6tcufOQJ
— Assam Forest Department (@assamforest) February 22, 2025
The elephant tasks weighing around 13 kg were recovered from his residence, the department stated.
Officials said efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplice, who is on the run.
“Sheshidhar Reddy IFS led the operation with support from park staff and AFPF Bn,” it added.
Additionally, the team also confiscated a WagonR vehicle with registration number AS 26 G 4933 and a mobile phone from his house.
Notably, the operation was carried out in the presence of Manas’ Bansbari Range Ranger Barin Boro, Bhuyanpara Ranger Vivekananda Pathak, Kahitama Beat Officer Nayanjyoti Pathak, and forest personnel including Papori Kachari, along with other officials.
Besides, the Paneri Police Station of Udalguri district assisted the team during the raid.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
ALSO READ: Assam CM inaugurates Rs 250 cr Campa bottling plant in Changsari
The forest personnel recently underwent hands-on training during a two-day programme on wildlife offence detection, investigation, and law enforcement seizures at Assam Forest School in Jalukbari.
The trainees were also enlightened on the current scenario of illegal wildlife trade in Assam.
