Pune: Major Action By Junnar Forest Division Against Illegal Trafficking Of Pangolin Scales And Sambar Antlers
Pune: Major Action By Junnar Forest Division Against Illegal Trafficking Of Pangolin Scales And Sambar Antlers
Pune, 18 February 2026: On 16 February 2026, the Range Forest Officer, Manchar, received confidential information regarding the illegal trafficking of body parts and trophies of protected wildlife species, namely the Indian Pangolin and Sambar Deer. Acting promptly on the intelligence, a trap was laid near Zataka Hotel, behind Morde Foods Company, Manchar.
During the operation, a blue Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire (Registration No. MH 04 DY 3567) was intercepted and searched. The accused persons Uday Shankar Surve Village Shiste, Taluka Shrivardhan, Dist. Raigad & Naeem Karim Khan Village Wadavli, Taluka Shrivardhan, Dist. Raigad were apprehended.
The following wildlife articles were seized from their possession:
– Approximately 3 kg of pangolin scales
– 3 pangolin claws
– 4 sambar deer antlers
– Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
A forest offence has been registered at Manchar Forest Round vide Case No.-01/2026 under Sections 9, 39, 48, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The accused were arrested on 16 February 2026 and produced on 17 February 2026 before the Hon’ble Judicial Magistrate First Class, Ghodegaon, who granted them bail. Further investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved in the hunting and illegal trade of these protected species.
“The Indian Pangolin and Sambar Deer are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, affording them the highest level of protection. Hunting, possession, transportation, or trade of these species or their body parts is a cognizable and non-bailable offence, punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and fine as prescribed under the Act”
said Amrut Shinde Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Forest Division
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Ashish Thackeray, Conservator of Forests, Pune Circle, and Shri Prashant Khade, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junnar Division by the team of Lokesh Patil, Probationary IFS, Amrut Shinde, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar, Vikas Bhosale, Range Forest Officer, Manchar, Forest Guards: Rais Momin, Trimbak Jagtap, Shivaji Dhole, Smt. Puja Pawar, Chhakuli Shivsharan, and other staff of Manchar Range.
