Midnapore, Sept. 14 -- An alleged deal to sell five baby orangutans at a hotel in Digha in West Bengal's East Midnapore district has emerged as a crucial lead in the Odisha Crime Branch investigation into the recovery of the animals, with sleuths turning their attention to a suspected international trafficking operation, sources said on Sunday.
While the orangutans were rescued from Bhograi in Balasore district, three persons have been detained from a hotel in New Digha for questioning.
Investigators are probing reports that the price of the orangutans may have been fixed at up to Rs 1 crore each. The alleged deal, however, has not yet been officially confirmed by the Special Task Force (STF).
Investigators have reportedly placed the own...