631 Indian Flap Shell Turtles Seized, Seven Arrested Near Odisha–Andhra Border

Malkangiri: In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, forest officials of the Motu Range under the Malkangiri Forest Division arrested seven persons and seized 631 Indian Flap Shell Turtles weighing around 2.2 tonnes near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border.

According to reports, the turtles were being illegally transported by two persons from Korkulla village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, who allegedly planned to sell them to five individuals from Odisha for illegal trade. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, forest officials launched a special raid and successfully apprehended all seven persons involved in the smuggling attempt.

During the operation, authorities seized the live turtles along with several items used for transportation and storage. The confiscated materials included 38 plastic trays, 40 gunny bags, six mobile phones, two motorcycles and a Bolero pick-up vehicle.

The arrested suspects and the seized materials were taken to the Motu Range Office for further legal action. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, and an investigation is underway to determine whether a larger inter-state wildlife smuggling network is involved.

The Indian Flap Shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata), a freshwater species commonly found in rivers, ponds and wetlands across India, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. As a result, its capture, trade and possession are strictly prohibited without proper authorization.