Malkangiri: In a landmark enforcement action, the Malkangiri Forest Department has, for the first time, registered a case related to the poaching of Indian Flapshell Turtles, marking a significant step in its crackdown on illegal wildlife trade.
The case emerged from a joint operation by Forester Muralidhar Anugulia of the Motu Section, Revenue Inspector Suresh Pujari of Motu Tehsil, and the Motu Forest Department team. Acting on intelligence inputs, the officials intercepted a motorcycle at the Motu-Konta Bridge and apprehended an accused transporting 18 poached Indian Flapshell Turtles from the Sileru River in Andhra Pradesh.
The accused, Bipan Ray of MPV-81 village under the Motu Forest Department’s jurisdiction, allegedly used hooks to capture the turtles before attempting to transport them for illegal sale. Both the turtles and the motorcycle used in the crime were seized at the spot.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Manasun Khemundu, the investigating officer, confirmed the case involved the poaching and illegal trade of a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Ray was produced before the JMFC-79 Court on August 8, 2025.
Forest officials said the case sends a strong message that poaching will not be tolerated in the district. The department reaffirmed its commitment to tackling wildlife crimes and dismantling trafficking networks in the region.
