The Rachakonda Police on Wednesday seized 286 star tortoises and 160 red-eared slider tortoises smuggled from Andhra Pradesh for sale in Hyderabad. While star tortoises are an endangered species, the red-eared slider tortoises are common as pets.
Two aquarium business owners — MD. Siraj Ahmed, 39 of New Shine Aquarium and Shaik Jani, 50 of Famous aquarium were arrested by the Malkajgiri Special Operation Team (SOT). Efforts are underway to nab the key supplier Vijay Kumar of Andhra Pradesh. Following a tip-off, the officials carried out a raid at Famous Aquarium in Peerzadiguda and found star tortoises being sold illegally in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Five such tortoises were seized from the spot. Upon questioning, Shaik Jani revealed that he purchased the tortoises from Siraj Ahmed. The officials then raided New Shine Aquarium in Malakpet where they found 160 red-eared slider tortoises and 281 star tortoises in his godown.
Investigation revealed that Siraj Ahmed sourced these tortoises from Vijay Kumar and then sold it to select customers. The arrested individuals were handed over to the Uppal Forest Range Officer (FRO) for further action.
Published – December 25, 2024 09:00 pm IST
