A new lead has emerged in the case involving the rescue of five orangutans from a forest in Bhogarai area of Balasore district. The Crime Branch STF has reportedly identified a Bihar-based mafia allegedly linked to the smuggling and deal involving the orangutans.

Following the identification of the suspected mafia operative, the Crime Branch STF conducted raids in Bihar with the assistance of the local police. The operation was reportedly launched to trace and apprehend the suspected accused. However, several persons allegedly linked to the case are said to be absconding fearing arrest.

The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into how the five young orangutans reached Odisha and who was involved in their transportation and intended deal.

Meanwhile, Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia had on Friday reacted to the orangutan rescue case. The minister said investigators suspect an international link behind the arrival of the orangutans in Odisha.

“There is suspicion of an international link in the arrival of the orangutans in Odisha. Therefore, the investigation is being carried out in different states. The STF is conducting the probe and it will take some time. The guilty will be caught soon,” the minister said.

The Crime Branch STF is continuing its investigation into the suspected wildlife trafficking network. Investigators are also looking into the route through which the orangutans were brought to Odisha and the people involved in their transportation, shelter and proposed sale.

The five orangutans, believed to be around one to one-and-a-half years old, were rescued from the Bhogarai forest area in Balasore. Authorities are also examining possible interstate and international connections as part of the probe.

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