Star Tortoises seized by DRI
Bengaluru: A green trolley bag being carried through the busy streets of Gandhinagar concealed a shocking wildlife haul: 180 live Indian star tortoises, a protected species being moved as part of an illegal trafficking network, which was busted by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru zonal unit. DRI officers had mounted surveillance following information about the movement of the species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
‘Operation Kurma’ led to the recovery of tortoises, identified as Geochelone elegans , from the trolley bag, according to officials. The DRI said it is continuing the investigation to crack the larger network. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI Monday intercepted the carrier. The tortoises were seized, and the accused was arrested. Download the TOI App.
The bag had six cloth covers containing 180 tortoises. During questioning, the accused told officials that he had received the trolley bag from another person at Kalasipalya and was instructed to deliver it to someone in Majestic for Rs 10,000.