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21 Protected Turtles Rescued in Indore Bust
21 Oct
Summary
- Specialized unit recovered 21 protected turtles, including Indian Pond turtles and Star Tortoises.
- The rescue followed the arrest of an interstate wildlife smuggling gang member.
- Five individuals have been arrested so far, with ongoing investigations into the gang.
In a significant operation, Indore's State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has recovered 21 turtles belonging to protected species. The action was prompted by information provided by a recently arrested member of an interstate wildlife smuggling ring. The accused, Raunak Juneja, 28, surrendered after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected.
Following his interrogation, officials retrieved 19 Indian Pond turtles and two Star Tortoises. Both species are safeguarded under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This recovery is part of a broader investigation that has already led to the arrest of five individuals, including Juneja, and the confiscation of other wildlife. The STSF continues its detailed investigation into the operations of the smuggling gang. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody as the probe into this interstate wildlife crime intensifies.
