Indian softshell turtles seized in Kerala

Two persons have been arrested by WLCCB-SR officials.

A pair of Indian softshell turtles seized in Kannur in Kerala on Sunday.

A pair of Indian softshell turtles were seized by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Southern Region (WLCCB-SR) officials from Chennai in Kannur, Kerala on Sunday.

Two persons were arrested, as the species has been categorised under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

S.R.V.Murthy, Deputy Director, WLCCB (SR) told

The Hindu that they received specific information about one person Anas keeping a pair of turtles in his home. He was looking for prospective buyers from Gulf countries, where there is a demand for its meat.

The WLCCB authorities with the help of Forest Intelligence Cell, Kerala Forest Department, nabbed Anas.

The team of officials raided the premises of Anas where they found the turtles and seized it.

Both the arrested persons were remanded in custody, Mr Murthy said.

The WLCCB authorities said initially they received information that the arrested person was keeping a pair of tusks, which was for sale.

However, preliminary investigations revealed that a few more associates of Anas, who are in Sirajpet in Karnataka were only in possession of the tusks.

A delicacy

Mr. Murthy said turtle meat was a delicacy in both Bangladesh and the countries in the Gulf region.

Possession of an /a reptile/mammal or any other wildlife categorised under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act would attract imprisonment of minimum of three years and up to seven years maximum.

The turtles were collected by the arrested person for breeding as there was a great demand for this species, he added.