TV
In a major breakthrough against illegal wildlife trade, the Malkangiri Forest Department officials have busted an inter-state turtle smuggling racket and rescued over 1,000 turtles that were being transported illegally from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team of forest officials conducted a raid at MPV-65 village under Kalimela range. During the raid, a Bolero vehicle suspected to be carrying the consignment was intercepted.
Upon inspection, officials discovered 1,078 live turtles packed inside the vehicle, being transported in inhumane conditions, sources added.
Three individuals involved in the smuggling were arrested on the spot and have been forwarded to court for judicial custody. However, the prime accused, who is believed to be from Andhra Pradesh, is yet to be arrested.
Notably, this is not the first time such a large number of turtles have been rescued in the region. Similar seizures have occurred at least five to six times in the past. These turtles are smuggled from Andhra Pradesh and sold at various markets across Malkangiri.
Forest officials suspect that a well-organised racket is operating across state borders, using remote villages like MPV-65 as transit points. A detailed investigation is underway to trace the kingpins and other members involved in the illegal network.
Meanwhile, the incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing cases of wildlife trafficking along the Odisha-Andhra border. The Forest Department has stepped up surveillance in vulnerable areas and urged locals to report any suspicious activity related to wildlife trade.
