Valsad: The Valsad Forest Department has uncovered a wildlife trafficking racket following a raid on a local residence, resulting in the seizure of a leopard skin and bones of a protected bird species. Acting on a tip-off, forest officials conducted the raid in the presence of independent witnesses at the residence of Ajay Manda Patel in Navera, Valsad.

During the raid, officials recovered the skin of a leopard (Panthera pardus), a Schedule‑1 protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amended 2022), with all four paws removed. Subsequent investigation revealed that Patel obtained the skin from Sureshbhai Kashinathbhai Vanjara, 41, a resident of Malghar, Kasda Faliyu, Kaparada Taluka, for commercial purposes. Further questioning linked the source of the skin to Sitaram Valvi of Ihdar Faliyu, Malghar village.

Forest officials believe the trio conspired to illegally hunt the leopard and trade its skin. During follow-up searches, the department also recovered bundles containing bones of birds and animals from Sureshbhai’s possession. He reportedly admitted they belonged to a Barn Owl (Tyto alba), another Schedule‑1 species.

Authorities have confirmed that evidence shows the accused were involved in illegal activities such as hunting, selling, and performing Tantric rituals involving wild animals. The Valsad North Forest Department has registered a formal case and initiated legal proceedings. The Valsad court has rejected bail applications of the prime accused, and investigation is ongoing.

The accused, Ajay Patel and Sureshbhai Vanjara, have been booked under Sections 2(1), 2(2), 2(11), 9, 2(15), 2(16), 2(31), 2(36), 2(37), 39(3), 44(1)(a), 50, 51, 52, 55, and 57 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. DeshGujarat