Five baby orangutans found in Odisha forest prompt trafficking probe

Five baby orangutans were found in a proposed reserve forest in Bhogarai block, Odisha, near the West Bengal border, prompting a joint investigation into possible wildlife trafficking. Police have launched a probe focusing on the discovery and are examining CCTV footage of a black SUV that may be connected to the case.

The five infant orangutans were discovered in Ranakata, a proposed reserve forest in Bhogarai block close to the West Bengal border. Following the find, the Odisha government and state police initiated a joint investigation to determine the circumstances of their arrival and whether trafficking was involved. Authorities are also seeking information on whether similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the country.

Police are focusing on a black SUV caught on CCTV, hoping that locating the vehicle and its owner could provide clues about how the baby orangutans came to be in Balasore district. The probe involves the state police and wildlife officials working together to uncover the details of this unusual case.