West Bengal: RPF seizes 35 bags containing nearly 1,500 tortoises

A total of 35 bags containing nearly 1,500 tortoises were seized by railway authorities here on Friday.

Following a tip off, Railway Protection Force (RPF) carried out a raid and seized the bags.

Three people, residence of Uttar Pradesh have been arrested till now in the case.

"We have seized tortoises from 35 bags and counting is still underway. We will let you know the number once it is done. Prima facie, these were brought to Malda town from Sultanpur on way to Gangarampur. We suspected them (accused) due to their activities. We are happy to have arrested three persons in this case," said R.B. Singh, an RPF officer.

As per reports, the accused were planning to smuggle the tortoises to neighbouring Bangladesh.

The RPF will hand over all tortoises to the forest department.