Bhubaneswar, Sept. 10 -- Mystery surrounding the five orangutans rescued from Bhograi in Odisha has deepened. The Special Task Force (STF) intensified its investigation into their suspected smuggling. More than 40 CCTV footage clips are being examined as officials try to trace how the animals reached Odisha and who abandoned them in an isolated forest.

The STF travelled to Digha in West Bengal as part of the probe. The Marine Police Station was also examined to explore the possibility that the orangutans, illegal smuggling of which can reportedly fetch each for around Rs 20-25 lakh, were brought through waterways or transported in ships or trawlers.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and police jointly checked CCTV footage from airports ...