In a massive operation against wildlife crimes, the Maharashtra Forest Department teams from Kolhapur and Konkan have arrested many persons in the last one week, and have recovered a live pangolin and leopard nails. What is also surprising, is the fact that in one case, the officials have seized an ivory walrus tusk. Three offenders were detained in connection with the same.

On August 31, forest department officials, along with local police and members of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), conducted a raid in Ratnagiri and arrested Mahummed Naik, Hemant Kander and Rajan Pange, and seized a walrus tusk. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities are trying to find out where the accused got the tusk from.