Digha/Balasore: The investigation into the alleged wildlife trafficking case following the rescue of five orangutan cubs in Odisha is still underway. However, the Crime Branch STF is yet to make a major breakthrough in tracing the alleged key suspects in the case.
Kolkata-based G. Maiti and his son S. Maiti are suspected of having links with the alleged trafficking network. However, their current whereabouts remain unknown. Investigating agencies have not yet confirmed whether the duo is hiding somewhere in India or has managed to leave the country.
Meanwhile, several questions are being raised over the Maiti family-owned hotel in Digha. According to reports, the hotel has remained locked since Thursday. Investigators are trying to ascertain what happened at the hotel on Monday night and why repeated checks were allegedly carried out at the premises before it was locked.
The STF is examining CCTV footage and other possible clues from the hotel. However, sources say that the footage available so far has not provided enough evidence to establish the complete movement of the suspects.
One of the key questions being investigated is whether the box containing the orangutan cubs was allegedly shifted from a white car parked outside the hotel to a black Thar vehicle. The STF has not officially confirmed this sequence of events.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Maiti father-son duo may have escaped through routes leading towards Bangladesh or Nepal. However, their current whereabouts have not been officially confirmed.
The investigation has now expanded to another person linked to the Digha hotel. Abhijit, reportedly a relative of G. Maiti, is also said to be a business partner in the hotel. Kolkata Police has brought him under the scope of the investigation.
According to reports, Abhijit was brought from the Andul area of Howrah to Digha on Monday, following which the hotel premises were searched.
The West Bengal Police and STF have so far searched more than 50 hotels in Digha as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the DNA testing of the five rescued orangutan cubs. The tests are expected to be conducted within the next one or two days.
A virtual meeting of the members of a high-level technical committee was recently held. During the meeting, Nandankanan Zoo Director Sanat Narayan reportedly briefed the committee members about the health condition of the five cubs.
Members of the technical team are expected to visit Nandankanan soon. Based on the DNA test results, experts will decide whether the cubs can be moved out of the isolation facility or need to remain there.
According to the latest health bulletin issued by Nandankanan authorities, the overall health condition of all five orangutans has improved compared to the previous day.
One of the two female cubs had earlier recorded a temperature of around 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Her temperature has now come down to 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
All five cubs are reportedly taking food normally. The digestive condition of the two male cubs has also improved. Following treatment, stool tests were conducted, with reports indicating a reduction in loose motion and worm load.
While the health of the five rescued orangutans is improving, questions surrounding their alleged trafficking network and their original source remain unanswered.
The investigation continues across Odisha and West Bengal. Meanwhile, curiosity among visitors at Nandankanan is growing, with many eager to catch a glimpse of the rare rescued animals. Wildlife experts have also urged the zoo authorities to name the orangutans at the earliest.
The biggest questions now remain: Where did these five orangutans come from, and who is behind the alleged network that brought them into India? The investigation continues as authorities work to unravel the mystery.