New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough against illegal wildlife trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) rescued 679 live Gangetic turtles within two days. Following a tip-off of involvement of a syndicate in the illegal trafficking and trading of Gangetic turtles, some of which are categorised as threatened species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list and protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the turtles were rescued.

The Gangetic turtles face threats from illegal trade, over-exploitation for meat, and habitat degradation, making the rescue operations crucial for their conservation.

The first operation took place on February 5, 2024, in Lucknow, where a suspect was apprehended from a hotel who was in possession of 309 baby Gangetic turtles. Building on this intelligence, a second operation was launched near Lulu Mall, Lucknow, on February 6, 2024. The DRI officers intercepted a car, apprehending five individuals engaged in exchange of 370 baby Gangetic turtles.

Following the necessary seizure formalities, the suspects, along with the vehicle and turtles, were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The department will take further action to ensure the safe release of the turtles into their natural habitat.

In a span of two days, the DRI successfully rescued a total of 679 live baby turtles, including Indian Tent Turtle, Indian Roofed Turtle and Brown Roofed Turtle species.

/BI