Three persons detained in connection with rescue of orangutans in Odisha
The Odisha Police Special Task Force has detained three individuals in West Bengal following the discovery of five abandoned infant orangutans in Balasore. Authorities are investigating the incident as a case of international wildlife trafficking, with potential repatriation to Indonesia or Malaysia currently under discussion.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing threat of illegal international wildlife trafficking and the complex diplomatic and ecological challenges involved in repatriating endangered species to their native habitats.
Three persons have been detained by Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police from a West Bengal’s Digha hotel in connection with r escue of five young orangutans in Balasore district. A formal case has also been registered by STF.
The detention of three persons followed examination of footages of CCTV cameras which had captured movement of a black SUV closer to the spot where orangutans were left abandoned on September 7.
The STF has detained three people on suspicion and they were being questioned, said Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra. The police refused to share details of investigations as it could compromise the probe.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had on Thursday directed to find the circumstances under which the orangutans landed in Balasore district. The STF team had spoken to villagers and field level forest staff about mysterious spotting of orangutans.
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