Amethi Police Crack Down on Wildlife Trafficking, Seize Over 1,200 Protected Turtles
In a significant operation on Friday, the Amethi police successfully dismantled a wildlife trafficking racket involved in the illegal transportation of rare and protected turtle species. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of 1,203 turtles and the arrest of three traffickers during a routine vehicle-checking operation.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
During the operation, police officers discovered the turtles concealed beneath a load of bananas in a pickup vehicle. In addition to the reptiles, authorities recovered Rs 60,000 in cash from the accused. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ramesh and Rajesh, residents of Palpur village in Jagdishpur, and Virendra Vikram from Shravasti.
Protected Species and Market Value
According to police reports, the recovered turtles belong to a protected category under the Wildlife Protection Act. Their estimated value in the international market is around Rs 30 lakh. The species seized include:
- Indian Flapshell Turtle
- Indian Tent Turtle
- Indian Softshell Turtle
- Ganges Softshell Turtle
An expert noted that the Amethi area is home to a diverse range of freshwater turtles, including both softshell and hardshell varieties, making it a target for traffickers.
Trafficking Network and Historical Context
During questioning, the accused revealed that the turtles were loaded from Palpur village and were being transported via Varanasi to Kolkata. Police officials highlighted that Palpur village has emerged as a hub for turtle smuggling, with traffickers sourcing turtles from ponds and rivers across multiple districts, including Amethi, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Ayodhya.
This incident is not isolated. In 2017, the Special Task Force (STF) seized over 9,000 turtles in a similar crackdown, indicating a persistent problem in the region.
Legal Actions and Future Steps
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. Inspector Shivakant Tripathi stated that the turtles will be released into a river after obtaining necessary court permission, ensuring their safe return to their natural habitat.
The bust underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species in India.
