Wildlife Trafficking Foiled at Indo–Nepal Border in Panitanki; Animal Bones Seized, Two Arrested

 

Panitanki, Siliguri | January 2, 2026

In a major breakthrough against cross-border wildlife trafficking, security forces intercepted a smuggling attempt at the Indo–Nepal border in Panitanki, Siliguri, on Wednesday night. A large quantity of wildlife animal bones and body parts were seized, and two Nepalese nationals were apprehended during routine checking operations.

Routine Border Checking Leads to Major Wildlife Seizure

The incident took place at around 2140 hours on January 1, 2026, at New Bridge, Panitanki, a sensitive transit point connecting Nepal and India. Personnel of C Company, Panitanki, were deployed for routine frisking, passenger screening, and baggage inspection.

A taxi travelling from Nepal to Siliguri (India) was stopped for inspection. During X-ray baggage screening, two passengers were observed behaving suspiciously. Upon closer examination, security personnel detected animal bones and wildlife body parts concealed inside their travel bags.

Two Nepalese Nationals Apprehended

Following the recovery, both individuals were immediately detained and questioned. The arrested persons were identified as:

Accused Details

1. Dik Bahadur Darnal

Age: 35 years

Father’s Name: Sanman Damai

Permanent Address: Pathibhara Ward No. 08, Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal

Present Address: Sundar Haraicha, PS Gachiya, Morang District, Koshi Province, Nepal

2. Karna Bahadur Biswakarma

Age: Approximately 39 years

Father’s Name: Nar Bahadur Biswakarma

Address: Sundar Haraicha, PS Gachiya, Morang District, Koshi Province, Nepal

Accused Fail to Produce Legal Documents

During interrogation, the accused claimed that the seized items were remains of dead wild animals allegedly found naturally and intended for witchcraft purposes. However, they failed to produce any valid permit, transit pass, or authorization issued by the Nepal Forest Department or any competent authority.

They were informed that possession, transport, and trade of wildlife body parts without legal approval is a criminal offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Complete List of Seized Wildlife Items

The following items were seized during the operation:

Deer antlers with skull – 03 Nos.

Goral horn with skull – 01 No.

Deer antler – 01 No.

Snake skeletons – 03 Nos.

Great Hornbill beak with skull – 04 Nos.

Wild boar tusk – 01 No.

Mobile phone (Intel L6005) with Jio SIM – 01 No.

Nepal Passport – No. 08624433

Nepali ID Card – No. 110885

Indian Currency – ₹3,200/-

Nepali Currency – NPR 600/-

Seizure and Legal Handover Details

Place of Seizure: ICP, New Bridge, Panitanki, near Border Pillar No. 90

Nature of Operation: Routine border checking

Smuggling Route: Nepal to India

All seized wildlife articles, along with the apprehended individuals, will be handed over to the Tukuriya Jhar Forest Office for further investigation and legal action under relevant wildlife protection laws.

Rising Concern Over Cross-Border Wildlife Smuggling

The seizure highlights the growing challenge of wildlife trafficking across the Indo–Nepal border, particularly involving endangered species such as Great Hornbill, deer, goral, and reptiles. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance against wildlife crimes and strengthened surveillance along international borders.

Official Statement

Security officials stated that such operations are part of ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity, curb illegal wildlife trade, and enforce environmental conservation laws. Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious movement or activity related to wildlife trafficking.

Wildlife trafficking

Indo–Nepal border seizure

Panitanki wildlife case

Animal bones smuggling

SSB 41BT News 

Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Great Hornbill bone seizure

Nepal to India wildlife smuggling