Malkangiri (Odisha)- In a significant blow to inter-state wildlife trafficking, forest officials in Malkangiri have rescued over 1,000 turtles from the clutches of smugglers. The turtles, packed in cruel and unhygienic conditions, were being illegally transported from Andhra Pradesh into Odisha.
Acting on reliable information, a special team from the Forest Department raided a location in MPV-65 village under the Kalimela forest range. A Bolero vehicle, suspected to be carrying the consignment, was intercepted during the operation. On searching the vehicle, officials found a shocking total of 1,078 live turtles stuffed inside.
Three individuals involved in the illegal transport were immediately taken into custody and have been sent to court for judicial remand. However, the main accused, reportedly from Andhra Pradesh, remains on the run.
This is not an isolated incident. Forest officials revealed that such smuggling attempts have been foiled several times in the past, indicating a wider, well-coordinated network operating between the states. The turtles are often smuggled into Odisha and sold in different markets across Malkangiri and beyond.
Preliminary investigations suggest that remote border villages like MPV-65 are being used as convenient transit hubs for traffickers. Authorities believe the racket is run by an organised group, and further investigation is ongoing to identify the masterminds and additional links in the chain.
The rescue has once again highlighted the growing threat of wildlife trafficking along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. The Forest Department has increased patrolling in sensitive areas and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity related to wildlife.
Efforts are now being focused on tracking down the prime accused and dismantling the network responsible for endangering wildlife through such illegal operations.
