2 arrested with leopard hide

Hamirpur, Two persons were reportedly apprehended by a team of forest officials for illegal possession of leopard skin at Karer village yesterday.

The accused were identified as Banku Ram, a resident Palhera village of the district and Pappu, a resident of Luhardi village in Kangra district. LC Bandna, Divisional Forest Officer, said both accused were caught red-handed with leopard skin, which was kept in a plastic bag inside a black rucksack.

The accused were taken into police custody for further action under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

She said the raid was conducted by a joint team of officials from the state and wildlife forest divisions and officials of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, New Delhi.