Back
High Court Slams Door on Bail: Woman Linked to Global Pangolin Poaching Ring Faces Justice
In a decisive ruling, the denied regular bail to Yangchen Lachungpa , a woman accused of involvement in an international syndicate trafficking endangered pangolins and other wildlife. Justice Ramkumar Choubey underscored the gravity of the offenses under multiple sections of the , emphasizing and her history of evading authorities. As news reports echo, this case highlights India's crackdown on cross-border wildlife crime networks.
Shadows of the Underworld: A Decade-Long Hunt for Poachers
The saga began in with Crime/POR No. 14198/03 registered at the (formerly Hoshangabad). Forest officials, acting on a tip, uncovered a poaching and trafficking operation targeting pangolins—critically endangered animals prized for their scales in illegal trade. Lachungpa, allegedly connected through co-accused, was first arrested in Sikkim on . Granted by the , she was ordered to surrender before investigators within 15 days. She didn't.
followed, along with rejected pleas in trial and high courts. A from sealed her fugitive status. Arrested finally on , after eight years on the run, she filed this bail application under —the updated CrPC equivalent.
Defense's Plea: Innocence by Association?
Lachungpa's counsel, led by Senior Advocate Anil Khare with , painted her as a victim of circumstance. Key arguments: - No admissible evidence beyond a contested memorandum. - Her mobile was used by live-in partner Jaitmang Limi (a co-accused whose bail was later canceled for absconding). - Suspicious money trails dated back to 2012, predating the incident. - As a woman in custody since late 2025, with a protracted trial ahead, prolonged detention serves no purpose.
They urged release, stressing lack of direct links.
Prosecution's Counter: A Web of Global Evasion
Government Advocate Ritwik Parashar fired back, portraying Lachungpa as a cog in an international poaching gang with tentacles abroad. Crucial points: - Non-compliance with transit bail, despite her affidavit claims— she skipped court appearances and filed instead. - Prior bail denials, including by a coordinate bench. - Co-accused Limi's bail cancellation for similar flight. - 's signals high flight risk.
The state argued her long absconding period justified denial, prioritizing trial integrity.
Weighing the Scales: Prima Facie Peril Trumps Mercy
Justice Choubey, after reviewing the case diary, found no merit in release. No precedents were cited, but the court applied bedrock bail principles: gravity of offense, evidence strength, and custody status. Here, the Wildlife Act violations—covering hunting (), trade (), and pangolin-specific protections ()—carry severe penalties. The judge noted the operation's international scope, distinguishing it from petty crimes. Concerns over her availability for trial, fueled by past evasion, tipped the balance.
Key Observations from the Bench
-
"Indeed, the matter involves international gang of poachers and traffickers of wild life animals like Pangolin."
-
"The record suggests of the applicant in the crime."
-
"Moreso, the apprehension of the State that the applicant may not remain available for trial appears to be well founded."
-
"Thus, looking to the aforesaid facts and circumstances of the case and alleged against the applicant..."
These excerpts, drawn directly from the order, capture the court's unyielding logic.
No Exit: Bail Dismissed, Justice on Hold
"Accordingly, the application is dismissed."
The ruling keeps Lachungpa in custody, signaling courts' zero-tolerance for wildlife traffickers, especially those with global ties. Practically, it pressures the state to expedite trial amid investigative delays. For future cases, it reinforces that absconding history and prima facie links can doom bail bids in eco-crimes, potentially deterring syndicates while testing India's wildlife enforcement mettle.
