Kheda: Forest officials and police intercepted a Maharashtra-registered white vehicle at the old Sevalia check post in Kheda district on April 20 and recovered a rare Indian pangolin concealed inside a trolley bag in the rear compartment.

When questioned, the occupants attempted to flee but were stopped shortly ahead due to traffic congestion. Three accused were apprehended on the spot, while others managed to escape. Investigations have since revealed that the smuggling network has links dating back nearly 18 months.

According to officials, Dinesh Prabhakar Rao from Umred near Nagpur had met Ahmedabad-based Manoj Gaikwad at a wedding, where discussions eventually turned towards illegal wildlife trade. Gaikwad reportedly informed Rao about the demand and high prices of pangolin scales, turtles, and other wildlife contraband in Ahmedabad.

About four months ago, Rao activated his network in Maharashtra, and the pangolin was allegedly captured illegally from forest areas in Gadchiroli district before being transported to Gujarat.

On April 12, the accused reportedly rented a four-wheeler through a mobile application using a fake driving licence and hid the pangolin in a trolley bag. The route passed through Betul, Indore, and Dahod en route to Sevalia. To avoid suspicion, decoy riders on two-wheelers accompanied the vehicle, and one of the accused allegedly impersonated a police officer during transit.

The group reportedly halted near Devgadh Baria before proceeding towards Ahmedabad, where the delivery was planned near the railway station. However, the operation was foiled at the Sevalia check post.

Those arrested have been identified as Ravindra Shankar Barsagade, Dinesh Prabhakar Rao, and Narendra Narayansing Chauhan, all residents of Nagpur. Six others—Sadhu Hichami, Ramdas Ram Teke, Ravi Rajput of Ahmedabad, Vinod Gaikwad and Manoj Gaikwad of New Naroda, and Ayush Kharwade of Nagpur—are currently absconding.

A complaint has been registered by the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Nadiad, with the CID Crime’s Wildlife Crime Cell against all nine accused under the Wildlife Protection Act.

The Indian pangolin is among the most trafficked mammals globally, with its scales fetching high prices in illegal international markets. Ecologically, pangolins play a crucial role in controlling termite and ant populations, thereby maintaining soil health and forest balance.

Officials suspect the case may be part of a larger inter-state or even international wildlife trafficking network. Further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat