ILAM: Police have arrested two persons in possession of pangolin hide and scales from Mangalbare Bazaar in Deumai Municipality of Ilam district.

The arrested have been identified as Santosh Magar (28) of Devmai Municipality-4 of Ilam district and Kiphurbu Bhote (50) of Chepuwa area in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha district, both living in Tulsipath of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-15.

The duo were arrested riding on a motorcycle (Me 9 Pa 2909) during a security check on Sunday. Police seized 4.2 kilograms of hide and scales, according to Superintendent of Police at Ilam District Police Office, Madhav Prasad Shrestha.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the matter.

In a different context, Ilam District Court has sentenced a youth to eight years in prison for raping a teenage girl.

Surendra Sarki (20) of Ilam Municipality-9 was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl.

A bench of Justice Indra Kumar Chongtenli passed the sentence of eight years and a compensation of Rs 10,000 for the victim, the court's Registrar Jagadishwor Bhattarai said.