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 networks, a Special Task Force (STF), 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 linkages to foreign nationals. Among the eight golden langurs that were seized from their possession, one had already died during transport. The remaining animals were immediately taken into custody by the forest department and were placed under stabilisation at a temporary enclosure in Ultapani Range.

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

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), which supported the initial information inputs, also helped build the case against the apprehended individuals. Veterinarians from WTI ensured the health checkups and stabilisation 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 in connection with the crime, and the search is still ongoing for others who were involved. The traffickers who were operating out of Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam had the help of local people 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 has been strengthened after the incident.

The seized golden langurs under stabilisation at Ultapani Range, Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park | Photo © 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, IFS, Additional PCCF cum CHD, Forests, BTC.

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