Directorate of Revenue Intelligence agents made a critical interception in Gandhi Nagar, uncovering a trolley bag packed with 180 live Indian star tortoise
BENGALURU: A green trolley bag being carried through the busy streets of Gandhi Nagar concealed a shocking wildlife haul — 180 live Indian star tortoises, a protected species being moved as part of an illegal trafficking network that was busted by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers.
The action was carried out under ‘Operation Kurma’ and led to the recovery of the tortoises, identified as Geochelone elegans, from the trolley bag, according to officials. The DRI said it is continuing its investigation to crack the larger network, including those who handed over the tortoises to the arrested carrier and the person to whom he was supposed to deliver them. DRI officers had mounted surveillance following information about the movement of protected wildlife. The tortoises were seized and the accused was arrested.