Rourkela: The forest department in Sundargarh recovered a pangolin following the arrests of two persons allegedly involved in a wildlife smuggling racket.

Radhesyam Yadav and Herot Xalxo, both from Chhattisgarh, were arrested near Sukhajore Nala in Lefripara forest range. Three other members of the gang, however, escaped from the spot.

The forest department officials seized an adult pangolin that was kept in a sack in an SUV. The department officials also seized the vehicle, which was registered in Chhattisgarh.

Sundergarh divisional forest officer Arun Kumar Mishra said: "This is certainly a big achievement for us as we arrested two persons. However, we are worried that animal smugglers have started zeroing on our areas. The pangolin is a matured one."

Mishra said they raided the spot after being tipped off by the villagers.

"The arrest took place on Saturday. Their vehicle had broken down near Sukhajore Nala and they were repairing it. The driver was the wheels and three were standing outside. Local residents got suspicious of their behaviour and informed our staff members," Mishra said.

"Soon, out team reached the spot and pounced on them. However, three members managed to escape."

Mishra said: "I cannot rule out the involvement of local residents. We are still in the early phases of our investigation. I believe that they were trying to confuse us by claiming that they had come from Chhattisgarh to release the animal here."

Sundargarh forest division is known for its biodiversity and different kinds of animals. During the last tiger counting, a black panther was spotted here. Besides, the division has bears, snakes and pangolins. Despite being on the border, the division has remained relatively peaceful as far as smuggling of animals is considered.

Mishra said: "This is because of successful awareness generation among local residents. The person who tipped us off will be rewarded."