Odisha forest officials rescue rare 'flap shell' turtle from poacher in Malkangiri

The Malkangiri Forest Department has rescued rare flap shell turtles and arrested a man in connection with illegal hunting in Andhra Pradesh’s Sileru area. Officials intercepted the accused, identified as Bipin Ray of MPV-81 village, while he was returning after hunting turtles from a river.

According to forest officials, the arrest took place near Motu-Konta during a routine checking drive. Bipin was allegedly transporting 18 turtles at the time. The turtles were recovered from his possession, and a motorcycle was seized during the operation.

According to the authorities the rescued turtles were identified as rare flap shell turtles, a species protected under wildlife regulations. The Forest Department has initiated further investigation to trace the hunting network and determine if others were involved.

Tiger Skin Trade Foiled In Nayagarh

In a separate operation, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch arrested two individuals from Nayagarh district on July 24 for their alleged involvement in the illegal tiger skin trade. The arrests were made during a surveillance operation, with the suspects caught red-handed while attempting to sell the wildlife product.

Official sources confirmed that the two accused were negotiating with different parties for a deal when STF personnel moved in. The operation was part of a larger effort to monitor and curb illegal wildlife trade activities in the region.

The STF has been maintaining close surveillance on suspected traders, particularly in districts with a history of such activities. Both accused have been taken into custody, and investigators are working to identify the source of the tiger skin and potential links to a wider trafficking network.