Cuttack: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials on Saturday successfully prevented a wildlife trafficking attempt and rescued 351 Indian Tent Turtles in Odisha’s Cuttack.
Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI officers conducted surveillance near Manguli Toll Plaza and intercepted a vehicle.
According to initial reports, the vehicle was carrying three individuals from West Bengal. During interrogation, the accused admitted to illegally transporting 351 Indian Tent Turtles (Pangshura tentoria) from West Bengal to Karnataka.
The Indian tent turtle is a highly protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The rescued turtles have been handed over to the Forest Department officials while the accused individuals have been detained and handed over to further investigation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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