On a tip off the anti-poaching cell of the Uttarakhand Forest Department seized the skins from Dakpather. The enforcement team led by Paramjit Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests and Director-Anti-poaching cell, has arrested three people in this connection. Bullet holes were found on the skins and it is believed that the animals were killed in the forest areas of Vikasnagar and Kalsi. One poacher who has allegedly shot the animal is currently absconding. A case under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been registered against the accused at the Chohadpur forest range of Kalsi forest division, officials said.

The arrested men were identified as Ajab Singh, Mohar Singh and Jagat Singh, all residents of Chakrata. They were carrying the skins concealed in cloth bags from Chakrata to Vikasnagar. During interrogation they told the anti-poaching sleuths that the skins and bones were meant to be given to a Vikasnagar resident. The accused are being interrogated to lean more about the poaching network, officials stated.

Poaching, decline of its prey species, habitat loss and conflict with humans are all threats to leopards. Of the total of 202 leopard deaths reported in the country, 65 have been reported this year from Uttarakhand alone.