4 wildlife smugglers held, protected animal species recovered

Lucknow: Four alleged wildlife smugglers were arrested from Bangarmau in Unnao district and a number of protected animal species recovered from their possession.

Ali Hasan, Mohd Kaleem, Zubair, all residents of Unnao and Mohd Hussain, a native of Nasik in Maharashtra were arrested by a joint team of Special Task Force (STF), forest department and local police officials yesterday, a police spokesperson said.

Protected species of animals, including common Spine, black frankolin, common teal, yellow footed green pigeon, grey frankolin, crane, peahen, ruddyshellduck, Indian tent turtle, Indian roofed turtle, brown river turtle and Indian hapshell turtle were recovered from the accused, he said.

During interrogation Kaleem revealed that he was involved in smuggling along with his father Khaleel and was selling turtles to smugglers in Maharashtra for the last two years.