Whatsapp trail exposes ₹21 crore wildlife racket in Ujjain

In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, two smugglers were arrested in Ujjain after a sting operation triggered by a WhatsApp advertisement offering leopard skins for sale.

The illicit deal happened in Ujjain, a city in Madhya Pradesh known for its religious and historical importance. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Nagpur unit and the Ujjain Forest Department conducted a joint raid at a local hotel where the accused were allegedly negotiating the sale of leopard skins and wild boar tusks worth crores.

The investigation began when officials discovered advertisements for leopard skins on a WhatsApp group. Acting on the tip-off, the DRI Nagpur team travelled to Ujjain and planned an undercover operation, posing as potential buyers. They coordinated with the local forest department and arranged a meeting with the smugglers at a hotel. Once the deal was confirmed during negotiations, both agencies raided the location and caught the suspects red-handed.

During the operation, authorities recovered two leopard skins with heads attached and a wild boar tusk. These items are completely prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act and command high prices in international black markets. Initial estimates suggest the seized items could be worth approximately 21 crore rupees, although official valuation is still pending.

When questioned, one of the accused made a surprising claim that these trophies were gifted to his ancestors by a local king around 1970. However, when asked to provide documentation supporting this claim, the suspects could not produce any evidence. While authorities haven't dismissed this explanation entirely, they are conducting a thorough investigation given the serious nature of the crime.

According to media reports, the operation was based on confidential information received on May 4. The court has presented both accused parties and remanded them to custody. Investigators are examining their mobile phones, WhatsApp chats, and other digital communications to identify additional members of this trafficking network.

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