CBI & DRI bust interstate wildlife crime syndicate; Rescue 53 Protected Animals and Birds

New Delhi ( Vivek Ojha) : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and DRI, Mumbai in a joint operation have busted a wildlife trafficking racket. The joint action was conducted at multiple locations in Maharashtra and West Bengal, based on specific intelligence about an interstate crime syndicate involved in the trade of wildlife protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

During the operation they have recovered and rescued 53 Protected Animals and Birds including Star Tortoises, Egyptian Vultures and Shikra birds. The CBI has registered two separate cases in this regard and three accused persons have been arrested from Mumbai, and three from Kolkata.

The case was registered under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Criminal Conspiracy under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The animals and birds were sourced by the accused from various parts of the country for trading. This joint action demonstrates collaboration between the two law enforcement agencies to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and proactively enforce the Wildlife Protection Act.