Actor, aide arrested for sale of endangered live reptiles

A small-time South Indian actor and his accomplice were arrested today from South Delhi for illegal possession and sale of endangered live reptiles, a top official said.

New Delhi: A small-time South Indian actor
and his accomplice were arrested today from South Delhi for
illegal possession and sale of endangered live reptiles, a top
official said.

The accused, identified as C Manoharan and his
accomplice NT Srinivasulu, were caught redhanded with a
consignment of crocodiles and snakes at Nizamuddin Railway
station by a joint team of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
(WCCB) and an NGO, People For Animals (PFA).

The duo had come to the railway station to deliver the
consignment of five snakes, including a cobra, and two
crocodiles to some international buyers, a senior WCCB
official said.

The live crocodiles were being sold at USD 2000 each
and the snakes for USD 500 each, wildlife activist from PFA
Manoj Oswal said, adding Manoharan has done small roles in
some South India films.

The accused have been arrested and if found guilty by
the court may face a fine of Rs 25,000 per animal and upto
three years in jail.

Bureau Report

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