Humane Society International (HSI) India has announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for anyone providing information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the gang responsible for the smuggling of two baby orangutans in the State. According to reports, a car carrying caged animals had entered the State crossing the Odisha border at a toll gate in Vishakapatnam on June 17.
Forest officials from Krishna district had come across the gang transporting two caged baby orangutans. The Krishna district police finally intercepted the vehicle along with the gang of smugglers at Jaggaihpet and handed them over to the West Godavari police for further investigation.
The Chebrolu police station took the gang into custody and registered an FIR on 19 June. Since they could not immediately identify the animals, they sent their pictures to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India for clarifications.
However, in the meantime, two of the gang escaped with the animals. The suspects are absconding and the animals are yet to be rescued.
N.G Jayasimha, managing director of HSI/India said: “It is a matter of grave concern that these young animals have disappeared from under police custody.
Further, any leads in this matter could help the authorities uncover a possible nexus of illegal international wildlife smugglers in the country. Hence, we hope that this reward will urge anyone with information about this case to come forward and help trace the culprits and the animals.” People with information can call HSI/India tip line +91 7674-922044.
