Malkangiri Registers First-Ever Case of Indian Flapshell Turtle Poaching

Malkangiri: In a first for the district, the Forest Department has registered a case involving the poaching of Indian Flapshell Turtles, signalling a major step in its fight against illegal wildlife trade.

The case arose from a joint operation by Forester Muralidhar Anugulia of the Motu Section, Revenue Inspector Suresh Pujari of Motu Tehsil, and the Motu Forest Department team. Acting on intelligence inputs, officials intercepted a motorcycle at the Motu-Konta Bridge, apprehending Bipan Ray of MPV-81 village, who was transporting 18 poached turtles from the Sileru River in Andhra Pradesh.

Investigators said the accused allegedly used hooks to capture the turtles before attempting to sell them illegally. Both the turtles and the motorcycle were seized on the spot.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Manasun Khemundu, the investigating officer, confirmed that the case involves a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Ray was produced before the JMFC-79 Court on August 8.

Forest officials said the action sends a strong warning to poachers and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling trafficking networks in the region.