According to a Wildlife Department spokesperson, the suspects confessed to selling the pangolin for Rs60,000.

Legal action has been initiated against them, and a fine of Rs90,000 has been imposed.

Officials said the pangolin was safely released back into its natural habitat following the operation.

The action was taken after a video of the animal’s illegal sale surfaced on social media, prompting an immediate response from the Wildlife team.

Authorities have reiterated that the trade and possession of rare and endangered animals are strictly prohibited under wildlife protection laws.