Bhubaneswar: A major wildlife smuggling attempt has been busted in Odisha’s Malkangiri district after forest officials rescued 761 Indian flap-shell turtles during an operation.
According to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Malkangiri Forest Division, the interception took place near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border under the Motu range following specific intelligence inputs about illegal wildlife transportation.
Acting on the information, officials stopped a Mahindra Bolero pickup vehicle and recovered the turtles, which were found packed in gunny bags and plastic trays, indicating organised smuggling, Malkangiri DFO said in a post on X.
The forest team also seized the vehicle used in the operation, a mobile phone, and other materials linked to the offence. One accused has been arrested in connection with the case.
A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the accused was produced before the JMFC Court in Motu for further legal proceedings.
Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the broader network involved in the illegal trade.
