Bhatkal: CEN Station Police arrested a man at Kargarkoppa Kabre in Bhatkal taluk on Monday as he was illegally carrying leopard pelt for sale. Pelt worth Rs 15 lakh was seized from him.

The arrested man was identified as Baira Rama Gonda, a localite. He was taking the pelt on his bike to Chitrapur-Shirali side. Based on information, CEN Police went to Bhatkal and caught him. Forest Department officials too supported the police in the operation.

Police are investigating as to how many people are involved in such trade and where did he get the pelt.