Mallick said the accused were caught during a covert operation. Forest personnel posed as prospective buyers and negotiated a deal to purchase ivory from the accused. Acting as decoy traders, the officials reached a house in Talanagar village, where the illegal transaction was underway, and apprehended the accused.Two elephant tusks were recovered from their possession during the raid. Two bikes and four mobile phones were also seized. “We believe the accused are part of a larger ivory smuggling network and suspect the involvement of more individuals in illegal wildlife trade,” the DFO said.The identities of the accused have been withheld as investigation is in progress. Forest officials said efforts are underway to trace the ivory source and identify other members linked to the racket.
