Elephant Tusk Seized Near Bania Bridge; Two Arrested in Wildlife Crime Crackdown

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Elephant Tusk Seized Near Bania Bridge; Two Arrested in Wildlife Crime Crackdown

Forest officials of the Jaldapara Wildlife Division apprehended two men on February 22, 2026, for allegedly carrying and attempting to sell elephant tusks along National Highway-31C near Bania Bridge.

The operation was carried out by a team from the Kodalbasti Range under the leadership of Range Officer Shri Sandip Das. Acting on inputs, the team intercepted the suspects and recovered two pieces of elephant tusk weighing around 1.64 kg.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Yakub Ekka, about 35 years old, from Mainabari Kanjal Basti under Shamuktala Police Station, and Ajay Rautia, about 34 years old, a resident of Turturi Tea Garden, also under Shamuktala Police Station in Alipurduar district.

Officials noted that elephants fall under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants the species the highest degree of legal protection. Any form of possession or trade involving elephant parts is treated as a serious offence.

Both accused are set to be presented before the Alipurduar Court on February 23, 2026. Forest authorities have launched a detailed probe to trace possible links to a larger wildlife trafficking network.

The action reflects continued enforcement efforts to prevent poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the region.