BSF seizes rare turtles valued at over Rs. 1 crore
The Border Security Force seized 185 rare Asian Black Spotted turtles as they were being smuggled to Bangladesh on Thursday. According to BSF officers, the turtles are valued at 1crore 11 lakh approximately in the international Market.
The Border Security Force seized 185 rare Asian Black Spotted turtles as they were being smuggled to Bangladesh on Thursday. According to BSF officers, the turtles are valued at 1crore 11 lakh approximately in the international Market.
A statement issued by BSF said, “Such turtles are in great demand in the international market. BSF troops of border outpost (BOP) of 152 Battalion at Kalanchi seized the turtles. This is largest seizure of rare Asian Black Spotted turtles in recent times.”
On Thursday, the BSF got inputs that the turtles will be smuggled into Bangladesh through Kalanchi. A special operation was planned and BSF troops of BOP Kalanchi of 152 Battalion laid a plan to trap the smugglers.
Soon they noticed two persons moving towards Bangladesh carrying two big cloth bags. “After being challenged by the BSF, the duo dropped the bags and fled towards Bangladesh taking advantage of the dark and fog. Two bags containing the turtles were recovered from the area,” the statement from the BSF said.
According turtle expert and conservator Shailendra Singh, the Asian Black Spotted turtle is generally found in Terai region, in the foothills of Himalayas and their habitat is stagnant water.