“A total of 61 people allegedly involved in wildlife crimes were arrested during a joint operation carried out by forest officers of Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh between November, 2025 and January 20,” a senior official said.

“The operation was conducted in protected areas of the three States,” Deputy Director of Palamu Tiger Reserve Prajesh Jena told reporters.

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He said the teams also recovered poisonous snake venom, deer and leopard skin, and around 60 kg of pangolin scales, besides three country-made firearms, during the drive.

“Officials of the rank of Divisional Forest Officer from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand participated in the operation,” Mr. Jena said.