Guwahati: A suspected rhinoceros horn and seven pieces of swamp deer antlers were recovered during a late-night search operation at a residence in Baligaon, Gohpur, in Biswanath district, forest officials said on Tuesday.
A joint team of the Forest Crime Investigation team, Eastern Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division and Biswanath Police carried out the operation at around 11.30 pm on October 26, following information about the alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles.
The team arrested Dipen Pegu, 42, in connection with the suspected wildlife offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. According to the forest department, Pegu has also been involved in previous wildlife offence cases.
Both the rhinoceros and swamp deer are listed under Schedule I of the Act, which provides the highest level of legal protection to wildlife species in India.
The recovery was made following coordinated action by the Biswanath Wildlife Division and Biswanath Police. Further investigation is underway to establish the origin of the suspected horn and antlers and determine whether the case is linked to any wider wildlife trafficking network.
The operation was conducted under the Assam Forest Department’s Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.