nAn Assistant Constable and a secret soldier (Gopniya Sainik) were arrested along with six others, while trying to smuggle leopard skins in the restive Dantewada district, police said here on Friday.
According to police, they were nabbed from Karli village of Geedam in Dantewada based on inputs provided by the forest department officials.
The held persons were identified as Lalu (46) resident of Bade Surokhi, Arjun Barsa (41) of Hiranar, Ladruram (27) Bade Surokhi, Ramnath (25) of Bangpal, Shankar Poyam (32) of Bangpal, Masram Kidiyami (28) of Nelasnar and Tamo Deepchandra (42) of Kasoli.
Masram Kidiyami was assistant constable while Shankar Poyam was ‘gopniya sainik’ posted at Bangpla police station, officials said.
Police also seized four bikes, mobile phones and knives from their possession.
Deputy Director Indirawati Tiger reserve NK Sharma informed that action against the held persons will be taken as per the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act.