Dongri Police Detain Tardeo Resident With Leopard Skin Valued at Rs 30 Lakh
The Dongri Police detained a resident of Tardeo in the Dongri area of Mumbai on August 9, 2026, after he allegedly arrived in the neighbourhood with a leopard skin in order to sell it illegally.
The police operation was initiated following a specific tip-off received by officers stating that an individual would be coming to the jurisdiction of the Dongri Police Station to conduct the illegal sale of a protected wild animal's skin.
Upon receiving and verifying the information, a specialized police team was formed to carry out the operation under the leadership of Police Inspector Balasaheb Kanwade. The team was made up of Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Randive, Police Head Constable Vishal Sonawane, and Police Constable Suraj Dhaygude.
After verifying the details, the police team executed a targeted operation on August 9, 2026, resulting in the detention of the suspect, identified as Nikhil Sonawane, who resides in Tardeo, Mumbai.
During the search, police officers recovered an item resembling a leopard skin directly from his possession. According to the police, the recovered item weighs approximately 2.5 kilograms and carries an estimated preliminary value of around Rs 30 lakh.
Police officials noted that while the preliminary estimate places the value at Rs 30 lakh, the actual species of the skin as well as its official valuation will be determined by competent Forest Department authorities and wildlife experts following detailed examination.
A formal case has been registered against Sonawane under multiple provisions of the law, specifically Sections 2, 9, 39(2), 39(3), 51, and 52 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Randive has been assigned to conduct the further investigation into the matter.
Investigating officers are currently probing the broader wildlife trafficking angles surrounding the seizure. The police are attempting to determine the exact source of the alleged leopard skin, trace all individuals who were involved in its proposed purchase and sale, verify whether any financial transactions had already taken place, and establish whether other people are involved in a suspected wildlife trafficking network.
