Berhampur: Three persons were arrested on Saturday from Gajapati district for allegedly possessing and transporting leopard skin illegally in Ganjam district’s Jarada police station limits.The accused were identified as Gobind Chandra Nayak (47) of Chanchadakhata village, Gunju Raita (60) of Barada and Ritu Badamunda (25) of Mangarajpur under Ramagiri area in Gajapati district. Another accused, allegedly involved in the wildlife trade racket, is on run. Police said efforts are on to trace and arrest him.Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Meenakhi Dalabehera, IIC, Jarada, rushed towards Dhanabad Ankuli area on Thursday afternoon. On seeing cops, four men tried to flee towards a nearby hilltop jungle. Police chased them, during which the accused reportedly pushed and assaulted police personnel.One of them allegedly brandished a sword and threatened to kill the officers. Despite resistance, police managed to apprehend three accused, while one escaped carrying a firearm.Police recovered a jute bag containing a full-size leopard skin and two live handmade bombs. They also seized a sword, knife and iron rod. The accused failed to produce any valid documents regarding possession of the leopard skins. A case was registered under sections of BNS, Wildlife Protection Act and Explosive Substances Act. Police said investigation is continuing to identify others involved.
