Rohru, Tuesday:
In a major action against wildlife crime, the Forest Department conducted raids on jewellery shops in Rohru town and recovered 85 leopard claws and five teeth. The operation was carried out during the day at multiple locations following a tip-off.
During inspections in different market areas, the department found leopard claws and teeth illegally stored at six jewellery shops. The seized items fall under the prohibited category of the Wildlife Protection Act, making their possession and trade a punishable offence.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rohru, N. Ravishankar, confirmed the recovery and said the confiscated materials have been taken into custody. Legal action is being initiated against the shopkeepers under the Wildlife Protection Act. He emphasized that the leopard is a protected species, and keeping or selling its body parts is a serious crime.
Rare bird feathers were also reportedly recovered during the raids. Sources said some jewellers were using leopard claws and teeth in amulets, lockets, and decorative ornaments, which are often bought due to superstition.
The Forest Department has urged the public to avoid purchasing such items and to report any illegal wildlife trade. The DFO added that more raids will be conducted in the coming days to curb poaching and wildlife trafficking in the region.
