Rudransh Mishra Dhenkanal

Fourpersons were arrested by forest officials on Wednesday for allegedly possessing an elephant tusk in the Mahabirod range of Dhenkanal. The accused include Sipun Patra from Baghamunda, and Tampei village residents Laxmidhar Naik, Kuber Singh, and Sanatan Naik.

Forest officials stated the accused claimed they found the elephant tusk while gathering mushrooms and decided to take it. The Forest department seized the tusk following the arrests. Officials are now investigating its origin and how the four individuals acquired it.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, bans the possession, collection, transportation, and trade of elephant tusks and other wildlife artifacts.

Forest officials warned of strict legal action against anyone involved in the illegal possession or trade of wildlife articles. Divisional Forest Officer Lalit Kumar Patra stated that an investigation is ongoing to establish the full facts of the case. The arrests follow an intensified crackdown by the State’s Forest wing on rampant wildlife trafficking and poaching networks in Odisha’s protected zones. The region has recently seen a surge in elephant casualties driven by ivory smuggling, deliberate poisoning, and high-voltage power line electrocutions.