Malkangiri: In a significant operation against illegal wildlife trafficking, the staff of Motu Range under the Malkangiri Forest Division arrested seven persons and seized 631 Indian Flap Shell Turtles (Lissemys punctata), weighing approximately 2.2 tonnes, near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border.
The turtles were being illegally transported by two persons from Korkulla village in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, who intended to sell them to five persons from Odisha for trade. Acting on credible intelligence, forest officials launched a special raid and successfully apprehended all seven individuals involved in the smuggling racket.
During the raid, authorities confiscated the following items along with the live turtles:631 Indian Flap Shell Turtles (2.2 tonnes), 38 plastic trays, 40 gunny bags, six mobile phones, two motorcycle and one Bolero Pick up vehicle.
The arrested suspects and seized materials were taken to the Motu Range Office. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, and a detailed investigation is ongoing to uncover any larger smuggling networks operating across state borders.
The Indian Flap Shell Turtle, a freshwater species commonly found in rivers and wetlands of India, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, making its trade and possession illegal without proper authorization.
