Leopard Skin Trade Busted in Valsad; 5 Arrested
Wildlife SOS, Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and the Gujarat Forest Department carried out a sting operation
Nov 21, 2025 - Acting on a confidential tip-off, Wildlife SOS, Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and the Gujarat Forest Department conducted a joint raid in Vansda city of Valsad district, leading to the arrest of five individuals in connection with the illegal trade of a leopard skin.
According to informants, a mediator working for a wildlife trafficker offered to sell a leopard (Panthera pardus) skin. Wildlife SOS and GSPCA operatives stayed in covert contact, posing as prospective buyers. Upon further interactions and negotiations, the trafficker eventually produced the skin, confirming its existence. At this point, undercover operatives signalled the forest department and a coordinated operation was launched.
The raid resulted in the arrest of five people, including the main perpetrator, who was found in possession of the leopard skin. Further investigation revealed that while the skin has now been recovered, the animal’s body parts had likely been removed earlier and sold separately, pointing to a deep-rooted wildlife trafficking network.
Raj Bhavsar, Project Coordinator at Wildlife SOS and president of GSPCA, said, “We have been working tirelessly on informant tips. This was a high-risk, delicate sting operation. The fact that the trafficker had the skin ready for delivery shows just how bold these criminal networks are. We will continue our inquiry, track down further links, and ensure justice is done.”
Range Forest Officers of Vansda, JD Rathore and CR Patel emphasised their committment to protecting wildlife from illegal exploitation.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, shared, “We along with the authorities have seized leopard skin, canines and other body parts, which is a stark reminder of how these magnificent animals are poached to satisfy the demand of the illegal wildlife trade.”
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