Valsad Forest Department Busts Illegal Wildlife Trade

Valsad | Gujarat — Acting on a confidential tip-off, the Valsad Forest Department wildlife raid exposed a shocking case of illegal wildlife trade in South Gujarat. Officials recovered a leopard skin and owl bones from multiple suspects involved in hunting and trading body parts of Schedule-I protected species.

Leopard Skin Seized During Valsad Forest Department Raid

The Valsad North Forest Department conducted a swift and confidential raid at the residence of Ajay Manda Patel, a resident of Navera in Taluka Valsad. During the operation, the forest team, accompanied by independent witnesses, seized a leopard skin (Panthera pardus) without its four paws.

Leopards are Schedule-I species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended 2022), making any possession or trade of their body parts a serious criminal offence.

Upon interrogation, Ajay Patel confessed that he obtained the leopard skin from Sureshbhai Kashinathbhai Vanjara of Malghar village, who in turn sourced it from his relative Sitaram Valvi of Ihdar Faliya, Kaparada. All three were found involved in illegal hunting and wildlife trade.

Owl Bones and Ritual Trade Angle Under Investigation

During the extended search of Sureshbhai Vanjara’s house, forest officers recovered bundles of bird and animal bones. On questioning, Sureshbhai admitted that the bones were of a Barn Owl (Tyto alba), another Schedule-I protected species.

Officials suspect the trio’s activities were linked not only to illegal wildlife trade but also to occult and ritualistic practices, which often use animal derivatives.

Legal Action and Department Appeal to Public

The Valsad Forest Department has filed an offence against the accused under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The Valsad Court has rejected the bail applications of the two main accused, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Appealing to the public, the Valsad North Forest Department urged citizens to report any information related to illegal hunting or wildlife trade by contacting the nearest forest office or the helpline number 1926.