In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, a joint operation by the Thane Wildlife Division, Thane Forest Division, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), multiple patrol units, and the Wildlife Welfare Association led to the rescue of 226 wild animals and birds from Mumbai’s Crawford Market on Friday.
Large Haul of Protected Species
The accused, identified as Mukhtar Munnawar Shaikh (39), a resident of Mumbra Market, Thane, was arrested during the raid. Officials seized 10 Alexandrine parakeets, 112 Rose-ringed parakeets 11 of them found dead along with 67 Indian star tortoises, 10 Indian tent turtles, 16 Indian roofed turtles, 10 Indian eyed turtles, and one Indian softshell turtle. The raid was carried out based on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Welfare Association, which also assisted on the ground.
Large Haul of Protected Species
Cases have been registered against Shaikh under Sections 9, 39, 48, 48A, 49A(a), 49B, and 51(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The investigation is being conducted by Range Forest Officer (Wildlife Mumbai-Thane division ) Shilpa Balkrushna Shigwan under the guidance of senior officials, including the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Thane, Deputy Conservators of Forests (DCF) Thane Regional and Thane Wildlife, and the Divisional Forest Officer Vigilance Squad Thane.
Rescued Animals Receive Medical Care
“All seized animals and birds have been shifted to a safe location where they are receiving proper medical treatment and care. This action is a strong message to wildlife traffickers the illegal trade of protected species will not be tolerated,” said Shilpa Shigwan, Range Forest Officer, Mumbai Wildlife.
Public Urged to Report Offences
The officers confirmed that the rescued wildlife will be rehabilitated as per legal provisions. Authorities stressed that such coordinated operations will continue, and urged citizens to report any illegal possession, sale, or hunting of wildlife to the forest department or on the toll-free number 1926.
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