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Turtles Seized from Train in Wildlife Smuggling Bust
25 Jan
Summary
- 102 live turtles found in unclaimed bags on a passenger train.
- Railway Protection Force conducted the seizure during Operation Wilep.
- Turtles were protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Live animals are increasingly being trafficked via passenger trains, officials report. In a recent incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) recovered 102 live turtles from five unclaimed bags on the Howrah-Dehradun Doon Express. The discovery was made at Gaya Junction during a joint patrol as part of Operation Wilep.
The turtles, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, were found in bags left beneath seats and berths. After no passengers claimed the luggage, RPF Inspector Banarsi Yadav confirmed the contents. The animals were subsequently transferred to the forest department for a health assessment.
Wildlife trafficking poses significant threats to ecosystems and conservation efforts. It can introduce invasive species, disrupt breeding patterns, and lead to animal injury or death due to inhumane transport conditions. Operation Wilep aims to intercept such illicit activities on rail routes through enhanced patrols and inter-departmental coordination.
