Forest officials have arrested Kaplian Mung from Shillong, marking the 12th arrest in the high-profile Rajura tiger poaching case. Mung is the husband of Ning San Lun, a key figure previously arrested in connection with the tiger skin trade.
Produced before the JMFC court in Rajura on Monday, Mung has been remanded in forest custody until March 9, officials confirmed. He is the fourth accused linked to the smuggling network operating across several North Indian states.
While Mung’s precise role is still being investigated, initial findings suggest his involvement in financial dealings supporting Lun’s operations. Authorities have identified at least one hawala transaction involving Mung and an intermediary, which prompted his arrest.
The financial aspects of the case have drawn the attention of central agencies. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested official documents from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the hawala links uncovered in the poaching racket. An official stated, “Given the large-scale hawala operations, ED’s involvement is crucial.”
However, the SIT has yet to formally approach the CBI, and the ED has not officially taken over the investigation despite seeking relevant documents.
Investigators face challenges interrogating Zamkhankap, a hawala operator arrested in Aizawl, due to a language barrier—he speaks only Mizo. The Mizoram forest department has not provided a translator, complicating questioning. To overcome this, the SIT has twice enlisted the help of a Mizo-speaking beautician, but officials emphasize the need for a certified translator for effective legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the extent of tiger poaching by the Baheliya gang, led by Ajit Pardhi, during his time in Rajura, with the exact number of tigers killed still unclear.
