The Forest Department in Malkangiri district has intensified its crackdown on illegal tortoise trafficking and trade.
Acting swiftly on a tip-off, officials seized 85 tortoises and arrested three accused near Anantapalli village under Malavaram panchayat in Kalimela block.
Forester Dipankar Siuli, Forest Guard Partha Sarathi Rout, and Motu Revenue Inspector Suresh Kumar Pujari led a special team and intercepted traders on Anantapalli Road. The team seized the tortoises along with two motorcycles used in the smuggling operation.
Authorities identified the accused as Pran Gopal Das (51), Haradhar Mandal (35), and Sudhanshu Pal from MPV-81 village. Officials reported that 39 of the 85 tortoises had already died. They weighed the live tortoises, examined them at the local veterinary hospital, and released them into a safe habitat.
Forest authorities explained that rising demand for tortoises in Malkangiri drives traders to bypass legal restrictions and engage in smuggling. The department vowed to continue strict action against those involved in illegal wildlife trade.
Officials produced the three accused in court after the seizure. They reaffirmed their commitment to protect wildlife and curb illegal trafficking in the district. The operation demonstrated the growing threat of wildlife crime and underscored the urgent need for vigilance across vulnerable regions.
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