Hans News Service Bhubaneswar

ChiefMinister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday ordered a probe into the circumstances under which five baby orangutans were brought to the State, saying Odisha will not be allowed to become a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking.

Majhi, who is on a five-day business tour of the UAE, expressed deep concern over the rescue of the five baby orangutans from a jungle in Baleshwar district on Tuesday, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said. Despite his busy schedule in Dubai, the Chief Minister has been closely monitoring developments in Odisha and has directed officials to ascertain how the animals reached Baleshwar and uncover the background of the incident, it said.

Majhi has also ordered an investigation into the route used to bring the rare animals to Odisha, how they entered the State, the people involved in their transportation and the purpose for which they were brought, according to the statement. “Odisha will never be allowed to serve as a transit route for the illegal trafficking of exotic wildlife. If any network is found to be involved in this illegal transport, it will be identified, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the law,” Majhi said.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to investigate the matter in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and other agencies of the Centre. He also directed officials to ensure that the rescued orangutans receive appropriate medical treatment, security and necessary care in accordance with established wildlife protection protocols while the investigation is underway.