Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch seized two leopard hides in Rayagada district and arrested two persons in this connection.

The accused have been identified as Bikram Majhi and Raja Majhi of Rayagada.

According to official sources, the STF team, acting on reliable information regarding dealing/ possession of wildlife products, raided a place near Tamparbiduni Chhak under Chandili police limits in Rayagada district on Tuesday.

During search, two leopard skins and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any authority in support of possession of the items, for which they were arrested.

A case under Sections 379, 411, 120 (B) of the IPC and Section 51 of Wildlife Protection Act was registered in this connection.

The skins will be sent to the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for biological examination.