Panther skin seized in AP

Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 10 (UNI) East Godavari district Superintendent of Police B Srinivasulu today said the raids made in view of the Chief Minister's visit helped in the seizure of three panther skins and led to the arrest of two persons in this connection.

Addressing mediapersons Mr Srinivasulu said that the duo -- Kakara Nageswara Rao and Sunkara Gopikrishna Reddy -- were smuggling the panther skins in Thativada village in Rampachodavaram mandal under Sudikonda range. The three skins were worth Rs 25,000 outside market and the case would be handed over to forest officials, he added.

Conservator of forests Rajahmundry Ramaprasad, said the duo were taken under Indian Wild Life Prevention Act of 1972 under section 39.

Mr Ramprasad said 3,587 cases were booked in forest offences including wildlife and realised Rs 1.07 crore.

He said 166 turtles and 66 parrots were also seized in the month of April and arrested three persons in this connection, he added.

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