5 leopard skins, claws seized in Solan

KASAULI ( SOLAN): A special investigation team of the state vigilance bureau arrested three persons and seized five tanned leopard hides and claws from their possession at a naka near Banalgi village, about 16 km from here, on Wednesday.

The arrests were made around 5am, when a team led by inspector Virendra Chauhan intercepted the motorcycle-riding accused at the naka. A search revealed illegal possession of hides and claws. A case has been registered under section 51 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, at the police station here, inspector (vigilance) Virendra Chauhan said.

The arrested accused, identified as Ratan Singh, Lakshman Singh and Naresh Kumar of Diggal village under Ramshahr police station of Solan district, will be produced in the court of judicial magistrate (class 1) on Thursday, the officer added.