The Mathili Forest Department in Malkangiri district seized 40 tortoises and arrested one person during an anti-smuggling operation near Baliguda Square.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Ranger Basudev Nayak intercepted vehicles and discovered the tortoises being transported illegally on a motorcycle.
Forest officials opened the bags carried on the bike and found the tortoises concealed inside. The accused was immediately taken into custody, and the motorcycle was seized. The rescued tortoises were safely handed over to the department for care.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Himyan Nayak and Ranger Basudev Nayak confirmed the seizure and stated that further investigation is underway to trace the network behind the illegal transport.
