Chirang, 23^rd June, 2026: Seven golden langurs were released back into their habitat in the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, adjoining Chirang, where they were confiscated days before from illegal traffickers.

Working on information gathered from on ground sources and social network, a Special Task Force, Chirang Police, the Assam Forest Department and the Sashastra Seema Bal, apprehended nine individuals on National Highway 27 on the 20^th June, 2026. Investigations had revealed links to foreign nationals who were part of the crime. Among the eight golden langurs that were sized from their possession, one animal had already died during transport. The remaining animals were immediately taken into custody by the forest department and were put under stabilization at a temporary enclosure in Ultapani Range.

The golden langurs confiscated from the traffickers | Photograph by special Arrangement

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), that supported the initial information inputs also helped build the case against the apprehended individuals. Veterinarians from WTI ensured the health checkups and stabilization of the animals, which were kept near the release site for a few days. The release was done on 23^rd June, in the presence of Addl. PCCF cum HD, Forests and the officials from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

“As of 25^th June, 11 people have been arrested with regards to the crime and the search is still ongoing for others, who were involved. The traffickers who were operating out of Bangladesh and Indian states of West Bengal and Assam had locals to their help, who had trapped the langurs in the first place” said Mr. Sanatan Deka, senior manager with the WTI. Patrolling along the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park have been strengthened after the incident.

The seized golden langur under stabilization at Ultapani Range, Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park | Photograph by Dhanjit Baruah/WTI

“This operation was an excellent rescue exercise that bore swift results. I would like to personally convey my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Sanatan Deka and his amazing team who are passionate about what they do. Special thanks to Dr. Daoharu from WTI for the innovative planning of the release protocol” exclaimed Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Dr. Ghosh also holds the additional charge as the Director of Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve.

The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) is an endangered species and is lited in the Schedule I of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, giving it the same level of protection as the Bengal tiger. With less than 14,000 individuals shared between India and Bhutan, it is a species that is already facing threat from habitat fragmentation and expansion of linear infrastructure. “To add poaching and trafficking to the list of threat to the species is highly concerning” adds Mr. Deka.

WTI, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department will keep on monitoring the released animals to ensure that they have integrated themselves successfully back into the wild.