The investigation into how five baby orangutans came to be found in a forest in Odisha’s Balasore district has moved beyond the state, with teams from the Special Task Force (STF) following a CCTV footage trail to Digha in West Bengal and onward towards Kolkata, with even the Coast Guard probing possible waterways through which the animals may have entered India.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kanwar Vishal Singh, who leads the STF, said similar cases reported across India are being referenced. The divisional forest officer (DFO), a two-member state-level investigation team, and a Crime Branch team reached the rescue site on Thursday.
Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Prakash Chand Gogineni had earlier said the orangutans could have ended up in the Odisha forest following a botched transit operation. “If any network is found to be involved in this illegal transport, it will be identified, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the law,” Majhi said.
Rescued Animals to Receive Care During Investigation
Officials have been instructed to provide the rescued animals with necessary medical treatment and care while the investigation is ongoing. This directive aligns with established wildlife protection protocols, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The focus is on ensuring the security and well-being of the animals throughout the process.
