The Karnataka CID forest cell on Thursday arrested an individual and detained six others for allegedly running an illegal exotic wildlife trafficking racket in Kumaraswamy Layout, south Bengaluru. Investigators conducted a raid on an apartment and recovered a variety of exotic animals, including ball pythons, lizards, and turtles. Additionally, they seized airport-tagged suitcases and traces of ganja from the premises.
Details of the Accused
Among those arrested are Raj Kamal, Hrithik RV, and Girish Nag of Devanahalli. The suspects are believed to have frequently traveled to exotic pet trade hubs such as Thailand and Malaysia. They are allegedly linked to an Instagram handle named “@Zoo2You,” which promoted wildlife education programs. The handle reportedly displayed exotic animals at schools and public events, potentially as a front for their trafficking activities.
Modus Operandi
The accused allegedly used the Instagram page to attract clients and legitimize their operations. By showcasing animals at educational events, they built a facade of legality while engaging in the illegal trade. The recovery of airport-tagged suitcases suggests they may have been transporting animals internationally, possibly from Southeast Asian countries known for exotic wildlife trade.
Legal Implications
The wildlife trafficking racket violates several provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits the trade of exotic species without proper permits. The CID forest cell is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other potential accomplices. Further arrests are expected as the probe deepens.
This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in India, which poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
