In a major crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) recovered as many as 45 rare tortoises from a bogie of the Doon Express train at Varanasi Junction on Monday. The tortoises were packed in nine bags, which were found unclaimed under a seat in a general coach.
Details of the Seizure
According to Rajol Nagar, the station in-charge of Varanasi Junction GRP, the Howrah-bound Doon Express arrived at platform-8 of Varanasi Cantt railway station. Immediately, GRP and RPF personnel launched a special checking drive. During the search of the train's general coach, several unclaimed bags were discovered under a seat. When passengers were questioned, no one came forward to claim ownership. The bags were then brought down and inspected.
Upon opening the bags, the authorities found 45 live tortoises packed tightly. The GRP promptly alerted the forest department officials. On their arrival, it was confirmed that the recovered tortoises belonged to the Indian Soft Shell Turtle species, which is protected under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This schedule provides the highest level of protection, making their possession, transport, or trade illegal.
Smuggling Suspected
The police suspect that the tortoises were being transported for smuggling, likely to be sold in the illegal wildlife trade. Officials estimated the value of the recovered tortoises in the international market to be around Rs 20 lakh. The tortoises were handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action and care.
The GRP is now trying to identify the smugglers who were transporting the tortoises. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the shipment and the intended destination. The swift action by the railway police has been praised by wildlife conservationists.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat to protected species and the need for vigilance in railway stations, which are often used for illegal wildlife trafficking. The forest department will take necessary legal steps to ensure the tortoises are rehabilitated and the culprits are brought to justice.
