Malkangiri (Odisha), Apr 24 (PTI) The Odisha forest department seized 761 Indian flap shell turtles near the state’s border with Andhra Pradesh during a special operation in Malkangiri district, an officer said on Friday.
The freshwater turtles were being smuggled to the neighbouring state.
Acting on a tip-off, forest department personnel of Motu range under Malkangiri forest division conducted a raid on Thursday and seized the turtles stored in plastic trays, said Malkangiri DFO Sai Kiran.
Two persons from West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh had illegally transported the turtles in an SUV to the Odisha border for trading, Kirana said.
Of the two accused persons, the forest officers arrested one, while the other managed to flee from the spot during the raid.
Officials seized the vehicle used for transportation, the turtles, a mobile phone, and other related items used for the offence, they said.
A case was registered under various provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, said Monsoon Khemundu, assistant conservator of forests (ACF). PTI COR BBM NN
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