Shillong, Aug 4: The Meghalaya Forest Department has struck twice in two weeks, smashing a suspected wildlife trafficking network in Ri Bhoi with seizures of elephant tusks and pangolin scales in intelligence-led operations.
The first strike came on July 18 along Umwang Road near Nongpoh. Acting on a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau about illegal trade on the Nongpoh–Umden route, a team from the Nongpoh Wildlife Range intercepted two men. A search of the duo turned up four elephant tusks believed to be from the Asiatic Elephant. Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri Bhoi, were arrested on the spot. The contraband was seized and a case registered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Barely 15 days later, the same range hit again. On August 2, forest personnel raided Shakhoikuna Village and stopped three suspects. Two polythene bags containing what are suspected to be pangolin scales were recovered. Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup, Assam, were taken into custody, while a third man fled the scene. Another case has been filed and investigations are underway.
Both elephants and pangolins are listed under the highest protection of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, and officials say the trade in their parts poses a direct threat to India’s biodiversity.
The Khasi Hills Wildlife Division said the back-to-back busts reflect a renewed push to curb wildlife crime in the region. The department has also urged the public to report any information on hunting, possession, transport or sale of wildlife and wildlife products to the nearest forest office.
