Eight golden langurs recovered in Assam's Chirang; One dies, nine detained

Eight golden langurs were recovered during a joint operation in Assam's Chirang district, and nine persons, including a Bangladeshi national, were detained in connection with the alleged illegal capture and transportation of the endangered primates, officials said.
 

The operation was carried out at Kajalgaon based on specific intelligence inputs. Personnel from Kajalgaon Police Station, Sidli Police Station and the Special Task Force (STF) from Guwahati participated in the raid.
 

According to officials, the golden langurs had allegedly been brought from the protected Ultapani Reserve Forest, which is home to one of the species' significant populations in Assam.
 

Forest officials said eight langurs were initially recovered during the operation. However, one of the animals later died, leaving seven surviving langurs under the care of the Forest Department.
 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the detained individuals were allegedly involved in a wildlife trafficking network. Of the nine persons detained, five are residents of West Bengal, three are from Bengtol in Chirang district, and one is a Bangladeshi national, officials said.
 

The authorities are investigating possible cross-border links to the case and are attempting to determine the intended destination of the animals.
 

The surviving langurs have been handed over to the Forest Department for treatment, care and rehabilitation. Officials said their health condition is being monitored.
 

Golden langurs are listed as an endangered species and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Found primarily in parts of western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan, the species faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade.
 

The Forest Department and police have launched a detailed investigation to identify others involved in the alleged trafficking network.