Pune: 6 Accused in Indian Pangolin Smuggling Case Arrested In Junnar Area, Forest Department Appeals For Info
Junnar, 17th February 2024: In connection with the smuggling of Indian pangolin in the Ghodegaon area of the Junnar Forest Division, six individuals have been arrested.
The accused identified during the investigation include Rohidas Pandharinath Kulekar (55) and Kantaram Sakharam Vaje (49), both residents of Bhomale (Khed taluka); Sakharam Baban Marade (43) of Pabhe (Khed taluka); Sagar Punaji Memane (31) of Taleran (Junnar); Jalinder Kandu Kasale (65) of Badeshwar (Maval); Geeta Nandkumar Jagdale of Chavanvasti Kumthe (Koregaon in Satara district); and Shantaram Somnath Kudekar (32) of Karanjale (Junnar).
Out of the seven accused, six have been arrested and presented before the First Class Magistrate in Ghodegaon. They have been remanded in custody until February 17.
The successful operation was carried out under the guidance of Chief Conservator of Forest Pune Forest Division NR Pravin, Deputy Conservator of Forest Junnar Forest Division Amol Satpute, and Assistant Conservator of Forest Junnar Sandesh Patil. Additionally, the forest range officers and staff from Ghodegaon and Khed contributed to the operation’s success.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Patil has urged citizens to promptly contact the toll-free number 1926 of the Forest Department if they observe any malpractices related to forest and wildlife smuggling, encroachment, or felling of trees. The department welcomes information from the public to combat such activities effectively.
