Tiger Claw Smuggling Bust in Maharashtra: Two Arrested

In Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, two individuals were apprehended for possession of four tiger claws. The arrest, conducted in Lohara village, followed intelligence-led operations by the forest department. Charges were filed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, with investigations ongoing to capture an accomplice still at large.

The forest department in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district made a significant breakthrough by arresting two suspects linked to illegal wildlife trade. Authorities recovered four tiger claws from the suspects, identified as Sandeep Todase and Shekharam Kulmethe, during a raid in Lohara village.

The operation, carried out based on precise intelligence, resulted in the apprehension of the duo on Monday evening. They appeared before a court on Tuesday, which remanded them in the custody of the forest department till January 2 for further interrogation. Meanwhile, a third suspect evaded capture, prompting a widespread manhunt by the officials.

The case has been registered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, and an extensive investigation is underway, aimed at uncovering any additional individuals involved in this illegal network.

(With inputs from agencies.)