Interstate leopard poaching network busted in Madhya Pradesh

A joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has uncovered an interstate leopard poaching and trafficking network centred on Madhya Pradesh. Nine accused have been arrested so far, and 10 leopard skins have been recovered. Investigators suspect six leopards were killed in the Kuno Wildlife Division, two in Sheopur and two in the Chambal Sanctuary.

The probe has now turned to a Delhi-based wildlife conservation NGO after investigators found links between two of the arrested men, Bhagwan Singh alias Salim and Wasim, and the organisation. The STSF has summoned the NGO's CEO to appear in Shivpuri on August 17. The NGO has "vehemently" rejected the allegations, warning that treating legitimate anti-poaching intelligence work as wildlife crime could frighten informants.

The investigation began with a raid at the Rajputana Hotel on the Agra-Gwalior Highway on July 23, where four traffickers were arrested. Interrogations revealed that leopards were trapped with nylon nets and beaten to death, their skins and body parts trafficked across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. Investigators are now working to trace the full supply chain from poachers to buyers.