Lucknow: CBI court in Lucknow has convicted and sentenced six individuals to two years’ imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 each in a wildlife smuggling case involving tiger and leopard body parts, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The convicts — Mumtaj Ahmad, Jaibun Nisha, Ajij Ullah, Waheed, Sartaj and Majeed — were found guilty by the court on March 30, the statement added.

Massive Seizure of Wildlife Contraband

The case relates to a major recovery made during the investigation, in which a large quantity of prohibited wildlife articles was seized from the accused persons’ residences.

According to the statement, the haul included 18,000 leopard nails, 74 leopard skins, four tiger skins, and bones of both tigers and leopards.

All the seized items fall under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection and bans their possession, trade, and transportation.

Case Dates Back to 2000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered the case on March 23, 2000, and filed a charge sheet on July 15, 2000, before a Lucknow court after completing its investigation.

The probe established the accused’s involvement in organised wildlife smuggling and illegal trade.

Charges and Legal Provisions

Based on the evidence presented, the court convicted all six under Section 49B of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, read with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 51 of the same Act, the CBI statement said.

Step Towards Curbing Wildlife Crime

The agency said the conviction highlights its continued efforts to combat wildlife crime and dismantle trafficking networks.

It added that the verdict is expected to act as a deterrent against such offences and contribute to the conservation of endangered species.