Delhi: CBI apprehends 2 accused with 65 Indian Roofed Turtles and Spotted Pond Turtles

New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended two individuals in possession of 65 Indian Roofed Turtles and Spotted Pond Turtles, the agency said in a press release on Monday.

In a letter dated March 24, the CBI stated, “A team of CBI along with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) officials, on the basis of information, apprehended two accused who were in possession of 65 Indian Roofed Turtles and Spotted Pond Turtles. A case was registered by CBI against two accused u/s 51 r/w Sec 39, 44 and 48A, 49, 49B of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for the possession, transport and trade of these species covered under Schedule-l of the Act.”

The CBI, in its statement, confirmed that a total of 50 Indian Roofed Turtles (Pangshura tecta) and 15 Spotted Pond Turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) were recovered from the accused.

“A total of 50 Indian Roofed Turtles (Pangshuratecta) and 15 Spotted Pond Turtles (Geoclemysamiltonii) were found in the possession of the accused. Both the animals belong to Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Since it was a seizure of live animals, they were handed to the Delhi Zoo for their safe upkeep,” CBI further added.

Further investigations are underway to trace the source of the wildlife, establish backwards and forward linkages, and examine the financial trail involved.