The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the Forest Protection Squad in Tamil Nadu have confirmed the arrest of a person for keeping 2515 rare Indian Star tortoises for smuggling purposes.
The tortoises were recovered from the residence of a person living in Avadi which is on the outskirts of Chennai.
After the operation, it was found out that a group of people procured these animals from different parts of the country and smuggled them to countries like Sri Lanka.
The arrested smuggler has admitted to smuggling more than 10,000 such turtles through the southern coast of Rameswaram.
At the time of the seizure, the tortoises were found to be transported in cramped up spaces over long distances. They were sent back to Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai for further rehabilitation.
The total value of the animals seized was approximately Rs. 25 lakhs.
The Indian Star Tortoise is protected by Article IV of the Wildlife Protection Act and smuggling of this species is linked to illicit pet trade.
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