Nine Arrested in Chirang for Wildlife Trafficking of Endangered Golden Langurs
Significant Wildlife Trafficking Bust in Chirang
The STF and police intercepted the traffickers while they were transporting eight golden langurs
Chirang, June 20: A joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police led to the arrest of nine individuals, including a national from Bangladesh, in Chirang district. This operation uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking ring involved in the illegal trade of endangered golden langurs.
During the raid, eight langurs were rescued, although one unfortunately died during transport.
The arrested suspects include Jamal Ali (45) from Dhaka, along with five individuals from West Bengal: Alamgir Molla, Fakir Chand Mondal, Khalek Mondal, Latibul Sheikh, and Inzamamul Haque. Additionally, three brothers from Bengtol in Chirang—Pinkush Narzary, Ranjit Narzary, and Jackson Biswakarma—were also apprehended.
The operation took place late Friday night at Kashikotra, situated along National Highway 27, under the jurisdiction of Sidli Police Station.
According to Kunjan Basumatary, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chirang, the STF and police acted on specific intelligence that led them to intercept the traffickers while they were transporting the langurs. The protection squad and range officers collaborated effectively to make the arrests.
Forest officials revealed that the rare primates were captured from the Oltapani forest range of Chakrashila (Chiknajhar) National Park and were being transported in sacks.
While one langur succumbed during transit, the remaining seven were rescued in a frail and distressed state. Veterinary teams from the Forest Department were promptly deployed to provide medical assistance and monitor their recovery.
Basumatary stated, “There were eight langurs, but one died due to suffocation as they were being carried in sacks. We have two veterinary doctors treating the rescued animals. We will formally take over the case from the police, and after necessary procedures and assessment, the animals will be released.”
Officials noted that the suspects arrived in a Nano car and a Scorpio vehicle, using an ambulance to transport the langurs when they were intercepted.
“The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will be presented before a court. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the broader network involved in this trafficking operation and identify any connections beyond the state,” Basumatary added.
This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by organized wildlife trafficking to one of the region's most iconic species.
The golden langur, primarily found in western Assam and parts of Bhutan, is a rare and protected species.