DEHRA DUN, MAY 21: The seizure of eight panther skins from a local agent here, on Friday, has revealed the presence of an international mafia operating in animal skins and trophies in the hilly areas of Uttar Pradesh. The latest haul, according to police sources, was worth ``around Rs 50 lakh in the international market''.

The accused, Faggu Lal, is believed to be the mafia's local conduit, which reportedly has its base in Delhi and trades in precious wildlife species like panther and leopard.

A kanjar (gypsy) residing in the city's Moti Bazar area, Lal was nabbed when he was going to the railway station to transport the skins to Delhi. He was allegedly carrying them in a box of tea bags. The police is supposed to have acted on a tip-off from an unidentified caller.Lal, who initially insisted that he was merely a supplier of rags, reportedly confessed to working for the mafia.

Although the police refused to divulge the identity of the gang, sources reveal that around two years ago, its head had been arrested in Delhi following a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the police. The mafia was said to be supplying animal skins to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, later, the smuggler was released on bail.

Now, Lal is said to have confessed that the mafia was operational in the Garhwal hills and had kept up a regular supply of animal skins from here.The poachers, to kill animals, either poison water sources or trap them using clutch-wire traps. According to forest officials, the poachers are do not to use guns, as this entails the risk of getting caught.

Lal said that the operation was on even in the Garhwal foothills, including Rishikesh, Dehra Dun and its surrounding areas. Shockingly, a major part of the illicit business is allegedly carried out in the area proposed to come under the Rajaji National Park near Dehra Dun.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.