Five foxes, 240 birds rescued in wildlife trafficking bust in Nandurbar

Officials pose with the rescued animals. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Nandurbar Police, along with the forest department officials, on Monday night intercepted a tempo on NH53 in Bedkipada, Nandurbar District, detaining three individuals, including the driver, in suspected wildlife trafficking. Acting on prior intelligence, the officials intercepted the tempo on the Malegaon-Gujarat route, rescuing five foxes and around 240 birds. The accused had hidden cages of wildlife beneath a layer of vegetables to evade police checks.

Rescued parakeets

Assistant Conservator of Forest Roshan Buwa told mid-day that the department had received a tip-off about the alleged smuggling of live wild animals and birds to Gujarat. Acting on the directions of Deputy Conservator of Forest Santosh Saste, the forest department devised a plan. Officials said the rescued animals include five foxes and around 240 birds, primarily parakeets, along with other bird species.

A rescued fox

Official Speak

A forest department official said that both the police and independent forest teams were tracking the movement following a tip-off. As the police established a blockade near the Bedkipada toll plaza, the forest team positioned itself further ahead.

Birds which were rescued

"The vehicle was eventually intercepted by Nandurbar Police. In a ‘Pushpa-style' smuggling attempt, the accused had hidden cages of wildlife beneath a layer of vegetables to evade checks," said the official.

Investigation launched

Authorities said the investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and more details regarding the accused and charges will emerge as the probe progresses. The forest department said it is conducting a parallel inquiry alongside the police as part of the joint operation to determine the extent of the trafficking network and any additional individuals involved.