Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Authorities in Assam successfully rescued eight endangered golden langurs during a joint operation in the Chirang district. The raid, conducted in Kajalgaon following specific intelligence reports, involved teams from the Kajalgaon and Sidli police stations alongside the Guwahati Special Task Force. While the operation initially secured eight primates, one later died. The seven survivors are now receiving professional care and rehabilitation from the Forest Department.
Nine individuals are in custody in connection with the case. The group includes five people from West Bengal, three local residents from Bengtol, and one Bangladeshi national. Officials suspect these detainees are part of a larger organized wildlife trafficking ring that sourced the animals from the Ultapani Reserve Forest. "Investigators believe the accused may be linked to an organised wildlife trafficking network," according to reports on the developing case.
The investigation is currently widening as authorities examine potential cross-border connections and search for the intended destination of the animals. Golden langurs are strictly protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 due to their endangered status. Native to western Assam and Bhutan, the species remains critically threatened by habitat loss and the ongoing illegal trade.
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