Malkangiri: Odisha’s forest department personnel arrested four smugglers and rescued 500 turtles from Malkangiri’s MV 79 village on Wednesday.
The turtles were rescued from two cars in Kalimela region near the Andhra-Odisha border in Motu section of the local forest division, said sources.
The sleuths acted on a tip-off and apprehended the two pick-up vans which were transporting turtles illegally into Odisha from Andhra Pradesh. Inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 500 turtles.
The four persons involved were first detained and later arrested on relevant Sections of the Wild Life Protection Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the sources added.
“The vehicles used by accused were seized and the turtles shifted to a safe location,” a forest official said.
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