A joint team comprising the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, and the Special Task Force conducted a surprise raid in Lucknow’s Nakkhas market on Sunday. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals allegedly involved in the illegal trade of protected bird species. Officials confirmed that hundreds of birds, including both native protected species and exotic birds, were recovered during the raid.
Details of the Raid
The seized birds fall under categories protected by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, under which hunting, possession, and trade are punishable offenses. Among the accused, Kailash, son of Barati Lal and a resident of Ghantabeg Garhiya under Saadatganj police station limits, was found with 50 red munias, 15 hill parrots, two native parrots, and two sunbirds. The other arrested individuals were identified as Shyamdhan, son of late Ram Avtar; Uday Kumar, son of Rajpati; Dharamraj, son of Radheshyam; Amrit Kumar, son of Rajpati; Dharmendra Kumar, son of Deepchandra; and Hasan Ikroz, son of late Nafees-ul-Hasan. Most of them reside in Ghantabeg Garhiya and nearby localities in Lucknow.
Recovered Birds and Legal Action
During the raid, the team recovered approximately 300 red munias, 22 cockatiels, 65 finches, and 135 budgerigars from the accused. The forest department stated that the case attracts provisions of Sections 9, 39, 48A, 49, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as amended. The rescued birds were taken into safe custody by Urban Range officials of the Awadh Forest Division. An FIR has been registered at Chowk police station, and further legal action is underway. All seven accused were handed over to police custody.
Background of the Crackdown
The raid was carried out by officials of the Urban Range of Awadh Forest Division, WCCB personnel, and police teams from Chowk and other stations as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal wildlife trade in urban markets. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
