State tiger strike force seizes 30 ghariyal hatchlings, 36 batagur turtles in major bust

 

 

In a significant operation, the Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force has seized 30 highly endangered Gharial hatchlings and 36 Batagur turtles. This action was carried out under the directives of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), involving a joint campaign with the regional units of Bhopal and Shivpuri, based on developed intelligence networks. Acting on a secret tip-off, the Force set up a blockade on the Sabalgarh-Morena road. On July 12, a vehicle was intercepted and searched near Jaura city police station. From the three occupants – Vijay Gond (Thatipur, Gwalior), Raju Adivasi (Mauranipur, Jhansi), and Ramveer Singh (Surya Bihar Colony, Gwalior) – an initial recovery of 30 Gharial hatchlings and 14 Batagur turtles was made. More turtles recovered from Gwalior Following interrogation of the accused, the State Tiger Force also seized an additional 22 Batagur turtles from Vijay Gond's residence in Gwalior, bringing the total number of recovered Batagur turtles to 36. Intl smuggling ring uncovered During questioning, the accused revealed that these aquatic creatures were being trafficked to Bangladesh via Kolkata, indicating their involvement in a larger international smuggling racket. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) stated that these extremely rare aquatic species are primarily found in the Chambal River in Gwalior. They are smuggled due to high demand in Western European countries. Both Central and State governments are continuously striving to protect these endangered species, as they play a crucial role in the aquatic ecosystem. Case registered under Forest Act A case has been registered against the three accused under the Forest Act. Local police and the Morena Forest Division also collaborated in this operation. The accused will be presented before the Shivpuri court and taken into forest remand for detailed interrogation. It has also been revealed that these accused have previous cases of a similar nature registered against them and have been previously convicted.