Railway Protection Force Cracks Down on Tortoise Trafficking in Odisha

The Railway Protection Force detained two individuals at Balasore station, Odisha, after discovering 17 live tortoises being trafficked. The seizure occurred on a Bhadrakh-Kharagpur train, with suspects and animals handed to Chandipur wildlife officials for legal proceedings.

In a significant wildlife trafficking bust, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) apprehended two individuals at Odisha's Balasore station with 17 live tortoises in their possession. The operation took place on a Bhadrakh-Kharagpur passenger train, underlining ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade.

The tortoises were found concealed within bags, highlighting a common method among traffickers to evade authorities. The suspects, originating from the Balasore district, were promptly detained and brought to the RPF post for further investigation.

Officials from the Chandipur wildlife range have now taken custody of both the accused and the seized tortoises, initiating legal proceedings to address this violation of wildlife protection laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)