GUWAHATI: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police rescued eight Golden Langurs and arrested nine alleged wildlife traffickers in an operation conducted in Assam’s Chirang district between June 19 and 20, police officials said on Saturday.
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The rescued Golden Langurs, which are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, were allegedly being transported from the Ultapani area in Kokrajhar district, STF SSP Pranab Kumar Pegu said.
Police estimated the black market value of the rescued langurs at around ₹16 lakh and said the animals were being transported outside the state.
Of the nine arrested individuals, three are from Assam while six are from neighbouring West Bengal. The arrested persons were identified as Injamamul Hoque Mondal, Abdul Khalek Mondal, Fakir Chand Mandal, Alomgir Mulla, Latibul Shaikh, Md. Jamal, Jackson Biswakarma, Ranjit Narzary and Pinkkush Narzary.
During the operation, police seized two vehicles and 13 mobile phones from the accused.
Following the arrests, the STF lodged a case with the Forest Department and further investigation is underway.