Bhubaneswar, (Reporters Pen): Sept 4: Odisha’s forest department personnel on Wednesday arrested four smugglers and rescued 500 turtles in Malkangiri’s MV 79 village. The turtles were discovered in two vehicles during an operation in the Kalimela region, near the Andhra-Odisha border in the Motu section of the local forest division.
The forest officials acted on a tip-off and intercepted two pick-up vans that were illegally transporting turtles from Andhra Pradesh into Odisha. Upon inspecting the vehicles, the officials found and rescued 500 turtles.
The four individuals involved were initially detained and later arrested under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. “The vehicles used by the accused were seized, and the turtles were relocated to a safe environment,” a forest official reported. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and ensure the protection of endangered species.
