DIMAPUR, JANUARY 8 (MExN): A cache of wildlife bones purportedly bound for Churachandpur, Manipur was intercepted in transit at Medziphema, Dimapur on January 8. The 41 Assam Rifles (Medziphema Battalion) made the catch near Kukidolong with a press release stating that it was the outcome of a “specific input” The AR in the release stated that the bone consignment was being smuggled in a Tata Winger from Dimapur to Churachandpur by one Sum John Ngaihte of Gangpimual, Churachandpur. He was subsequently arrested. Detailed search of the vehicle led to recovery of tiger and elephant parts, mostly bones, weighing 13kgs. The tiger parts included teeth, all four leg bones, complete set of backbone (vertebra), tail bone, ribs and lower neck parts. The elephant parts included, the release added, “two ear and nostril bones.” A sum of Rs. 61,455 along with bank transfer slip of Rs 40,000 was also recovered, the release added. The arrested individual and the seized consignment were handed over to the police. The Medziphema Police Station when contacted in the evening said that it was in the preliminary stage of registering the case to be subsequently followed by investigation.
