Dehradun, Feb 26: In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Uttarakhand Police have arrested two individuals in possession of bear bile, a rare and highly valued substance in illegal wildlife trade.
The accused, identified as Kalam Singh Chauhan (32) and Santu (44), both residents of Baniyana village in Chakrata, were apprehended on Tuesday along the Kalsi-Chakrata Road following a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in Delhi.
According to Uttarakhand STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar, the seized bile, weighing 19 grams and 8 grams, is derived from bears—an animal classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, making its hunting and trade a serious criminal offense. Additionally, authorities also recovered three 12-bore cartridges from the suspects.
A case has been registered against the duo under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Arms Act, and further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and potential buyers involved in the illicit trade.
Wildlife smuggling remains a pressing concern in the region, and authorities continue to intensify their efforts against such illegal activities.
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