Assam’s rhino horn verification process starts

The Assam Government has formally initiated the verification process of rhino horns, stored in various treasuries of Assam, since 1980, from today. Assam government has formed a committee to verify the genuineness of the rhino horns, which were recovered in last three decades and stored in different treasuries of the state. The process of verification includes checking of the genuineness besides updating the complete inventory of rhino horns in the custody of Assam Government. The 12 member committee is headed by former forest officer and former Assam State Information Commissioner, Mohan Chandra Malakar and has four wildlife experts, two representatives from media, on RTI activist, one forensic scientist, and four high officials of the State Forest department. As reported by the committee, “The trunks containing the Rhino Horns will be carried in batches from the treasury to the Golaghat circuit house under heavy security. Special security arrangements have been made for this by the district authorities.” The trunks would be opened only in front of the forest officials, who would also sign and seal the trunks before depositing. The trunks containing rhino horns would be sealed in presence of four to five forest officials. In case of any suspicion pointed out by the members, the particular horn would be referred to the experts of the State Forensic Laboratory, adding that the forensic experts have also set up a field lab at the Golaghat circuit house for the purpose.