Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Three Arrested in Parrot Smuggling Operation

Three individuals were arrested for allegedly trafficking wildlife articles and parrots in Sakchi. The arrests were made following a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Authorities seized several parakeets, cockatoos, and a deer antler. Further investigations are ongoing under the Wildlife Protection Act.

In a significant operation against illegal wildlife trade, three individuals were apprehended by the forest department with numerous parrots and other wildlife articles. The arrests occurred following a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, leading to the recovery of both live birds and valuable animal parts.

The main suspect, Abhay Gupta, was taken into custody at the Sakchi roundabout with a collection of 35 parakeets concealed in a box. Following his interrogation, further leads led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Md Guddu and Samir Ansari, from whom more wildlife items including 10 cockatoos, 35 large parakeets, and a deer antler were seized at their residences.

Divisional Forest Officer Saba Alam Ansari disclosed that the investigation is ongoing, aiming to uncover the channels through which these wildlife articles were procured. The suspects have been charged under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act as the forest department intensifies its efforts to curb wildlife crime.

(With inputs from agencies.)