August 14th 2024.
In Sonepur, two wildlife criminals faced consequences for their actions on Tuesday. The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate found them guilty under Section 51 of the Wild Life Act, 1972. As a result, they were sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 each. The judge also warned them that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment.
The incident occurred when STF personnel spotted the two individuals on the road near Rajakothi in Subarnapur district. They were heading towards Birmaharajpur when they were intercepted. Upon searching their belongings, the STF discovered a live pangolin and pangolin scales. The seized pangolin was handed over to the Forest department, and the scales were sent to the Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun, for further investigation.
The prosecution submitted a charge sheet against the two accused, charging them under Section 379/411/120-B IPC r/w. 51 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. Throughout the trial, seven witnesses were examined, and 30 documents were exhibited. The court found sufficient evidence to convict the two individuals of their crimes.
According to officials from the STF, this marks the seventh instance where individuals have been convicted under the Wildlife Protection Act. However, this is the first time that someone has been found guilty of possessing a live pangolin. The STF is determined to continue their efforts in identifying and punishing those involved in illegal wildlife activities.
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