Malkangiri, Aug 6: In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Forest Department officials in Motu, Malkangiri district, seized 1,078 turtles being illegally transported from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh into Odisha on Tuesday evening.
The turtles were discovered stuffed inside 25 polythene bags in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) near the Andhra-Odisha border. The vehicle was reportedly en route to various locations across Malkangiri district, where there is reportedly a high demand for turtle meat.
Acting on a reliable tip-off, forest officials intercepted the SUV and apprehended three individuals, including the key accused, Sukumar Tarafdar. Officials estimate the market value of the seized turtles to be around ₹4 lakh.
Forest officials confirmed that all rescued turtles will be released into a suitable natural water body after medical assessment.
This seizure underscores the persistent threat of illegal wildlife trade in the region, especially fuelled by the black market demand for turtle meat. Authorities have intensified their efforts to dismantle the broader smuggling network involved in the operation.
