In a successful raid, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials in Odisha rescued 351 rare Indian tent turtles in Cuttack district. The turtles were intercepted in a Tata Tiago vehicle with three passengers from West Bengal at Manguli Toll Plaza.
The DRI sources revealed that the turtles, identified as Indian Tent Turtles (Pangshura tentoria), were being transported from West Bengal to Karnataka by the three individuals. The turtles were later handed over to the Odisha State Forest Department officials for further action.
The DRI took immediate action and detained the three persons along with their vehicle under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Indian tent turtles are listed in Schedule-I of the Act, providing them with the highest level of protection against trafficking and illegal trade.
This incident highlights the importance of enforcement agencies working together to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species like the Indian tent turtles. The investigation into the matter is ongoing to determine the full extent of the illegal wildlife trade operation.
