Gajapati: The forest department officials on Monday rescued at least 20 tortoises during a raid in Gajapati district.
According to reports, suspecting something fishy, local people intercepted a person who came out of the district fishery office and was going somewhere riding a bike. Upon searching they found aquatic animals and immediately informed the forest department.
On being informed, a team reached the spot and recovered the tortoises. However, the person carrying the animals managed to escape from the spot.
Further investigation is underway in this regard.