Scientific verification of the rhino horns, seized by the forest department and stored in the Mangaldai treasury, was conducted on Saturday in the Darrang Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall.

The verification was carried out in connection with the ongoing process for disposal of the seized rhino horns kept in different treasuries of the state.

A central technical team consisting of members from different stakeholders including scientists from the Forensic Science Laboratory, veterinary department, nature organizations and media persons carried out the day-long verification process.

The verification was led by Mazidul Hussain, conservator of forest, Assam.

“Scientific verification including DNA sample collection of all the seventy-four rhino horns seized since 1982 baring one being under the court custody are being undertaken,” said Pradipta Baruah, divisional forest officer (DFO), Mangaldai Wildlife Division while talking to Northeast Now.

“The government is likely to dispose of the rhino horns except selected few for future preservation in the month of September for the first time in the history of the country,” forest officer Baruah said.

Mayukh Goswami is Northeast Now Correspondent in Mangaldai. He can be reached at: [email protected]