Malkangiri: A joint team from Malkangiri Forest Department and Revenue Department conducted an operation based on credible intelligence and raided the residence of Mithun Bepari in Village MPV-11, seizing 11 Indian Flap shell turtles hidden in gunny bags inside the toilet of his premises.
Mithun Bepari, a fisherman by occupation, confessed to purchasing the turtles for illegal sale in the Poteru Market.
The seized items include 11 Indian Flap shell turtles, one gunny bag, one weighing machine, and one mobile phone. The accused has been forwarded to the JMFC MV 79 Court in Malkangiri, and legal proceedings have been initiated. Further investigation is underway to uncover the extent of the smuggling operation.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Protection Act, and the probe team is investigating to bring the perpetrators to justice.
