Forest officials of the Digboi Division have arrested two individuals in connection with an elephant ivory chopping case reported from Dhulijan under the Lakhpathar Forest Range in Tinsukia district, in what is being seen as a major breakthrough in a suspected wildlife trafficking network.
The accused have been identified as Saurav Moran (28) of Dhulijan and Pradip Gorh (22) of Ketetong under Margherita Police Station. Moran was reportedly the caretaker of the elephant from which the ivory was removed earlier on April 14.
Officials said the arrests followed a sustained operation based on digital and field intelligence. The accused were produced before the Margherita court.
Investigations revealed that the crime was carried out in phases. On March 28, Moran allegedly contacted Gorh and arranged for a portion of the elephant’s tusk to be cut, paying him Rs 400 as labour charges. Later, on April 14, the same tusk was completely chopped off from the base, indicating a deliberate and repeated act.
Forest officials involved in the probe stated that the accused had recorded and photographed the tusk before cutting it using a sharp hexo blade. The digital and photographic evidence has played a crucial role in linking them to the crime.
Sources indicated that the case may have wider ramifications, with suspicion that the ivory could have already entered a larger smuggling network. The arrested individuals are believed to have links to organised wildlife trafficking, and further investigation is underway to trace the chain.
While the arrests mark progress, officials admitted that recovering the chopped ivory remains a challenge as several days have passed since the incident. Efforts are ongoing to trace the contraband and identify other persons involved.
The investigation is being closely monitored by the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and more arrests are likely based on interrogation inputs.
Meanwhile, sources said the ownership of the elephant is still unclear. It is learnt that Pradip Gorh had earlier worked as a mahout of the same elephant, which was reportedly owned by the late Lakheswar Dwaniya of Ketetong.
