Golden Langur Trafficking Racket Busted in Assam, Nine Arrested, Protected Species Rescued

Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has busted a suspected wildlife trafficking racket with the arrest of nine alleged traffickers and the rescue of eight endangered Golden Langurs in Chirang district, officials said on Saturday.

The operation was carried out by the STF on Friday night based on specific intelligence inputs about the illegal trafficking of Golden Langurs. The team, assisted by Chirang Police , intercepted the suspected traffickers at Bamungaon Road under Sidli Police Station during the intervening night of June 19 and 20.

According to the STF, the rescued Golden Langurs had been captured from the Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district and were allegedly being transported through local intermediaries in Chirang for delivery to prospective buyers.

The Golden Langur is an endangered species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 . The rescued animals are estimated to have a black-market value of around ₹16 lakh , highlighting the scale of the illegal trade.

During the operation, authorities seized two vehicles, 13 mobile phones and several documents linked to the suspected trafficking network. The arrested individuals, rescued animals and seized materials were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Runikhata Range under Chirang Wildlife Division for further legal proceedings and investigation.

The STF has filed a formal complaint with the forest department and initiated further probe into the suspected interstate and transnational wildlife trafficking network involved in the illegal capture and trade of protected species.