Cachar: 1.5 Kg Pangolin Scales Seized in Dholakhal, One Arrested

The Forest Department has arrested a man for the alleged illegal possession and transportation of 1.5 kg of pangolin scales at Dholakhal Border Outpost (BOP) along the Assam-Mizoram border in Cachar district.

The accused, identified as Nihar Uddin Barbhuiya, a resident of Dholai, was intercepted on October 5. He was subsequently arrested by the Forest Department under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in connection with the seizure.

Geetashree Doley, an Assam Forest Service (AFS) officer and Range Forest Officer of Hawaithang Range, confirmed the seizure at around 6.10 pm. She said the case had been registered under Sections 40, 44, 48 and 49 of the Act. The accused was later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody following the court’s order.

Pangolins are protected wildlife species, and their scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. Despite having no established medicinal benefit, pangolin scales are sought after in some traditional medicine practices, contributing to illegal wildlife trafficking.

The Forest Department is continuing its investigation to determine whether others are involved in the case. Further details are expected after the investigation progresses.

The seizure marks an enforcement action against the illegal wildlife trade in Barak Valley. Pangolins are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and are classified as threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.