09 July,2026 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The Mumbai Forest Department is working on repatriating these animals back to their native states for further rehabilitation and release (Pic/Special arrangement)
In a major crackdown on interstate wildlife trafficking, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with assistance from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), have busted an alleged wildlife hunting, poaching, and trafficking syndicate.
As per officials, the syndicate was operating between Maharashtra and West Bengal. The joint operation led to the arrest of six accused and the rescue of 53 highly protected and endangered wild animals, birds, and reptiles in Mumbai and Kolkata.
The 53 top-protected species include 15 Slow Loris, two Binturongs, 28 Star Tortoises, six Egyptian Vultures, and two Shikra birds.
All the above species are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection to these animals.
The joint operation was carried out in Maharashtra and West Bengal based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Mumbai regarding an interstate network allegedly involved in the hunting, poaching, and trafficking of wildlife.
The CBI has registered two separate FIRs on Tuesday and Wednesday under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The animals have been handed over to the respected forest departments of both the states.
Following the operation, the forest department in Mumbai has handed over the custody of 37 animals, birds, and reptiles to the city-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation expert team of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW). The team of experts are currently treating, stabilising, and taking care of the rescued wildlife.
The forest department is working on repatriating these animals back to their native states for further rehabilitation and release.
