DELHI: In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi police arrested a 38-year-old man attempting to smuggle 100 baby turtles on a scooter. The accused, Bheem, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended after a carefully planned operation by the Geeta Colony Police Station.
The Tip-Off and Operation
On Tuesday, police received a tip-off about a smuggler planning to transport banned turtles. This led Inspector Satyawan and his team to set up a vigilant watch in key areas, including Raja Ram Kohli Marg and beneath the Pusa Road flyover in Geeta Colony. The operation culminated in Bheem’s arrest, with the police recovering a total of 100 baby turtles from his possession.
The Arrest
Bheem was spotted on his scooter around 1:15 pm, carrying a large bag while coming from Shakarpur. Identified by the informant as the suspected smuggler, Bheem was apprehended by the police. Upon inspecting the bag, several live turtles were found, and Bheem failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession. Consequently, the police seized his scooter and the turtles.
Smuggling Operation
During interrogation, Bheem revealed his involvement in a larger smuggling operation of turtles and other species. He disclosed that he procured the turtles from the Ganga in the Garhmukteshwar area, known as Garh Ganga, and from subsidiary rivers. Further investigation revealed that a case was recently registered against his associate, Ravi Bhatnagar, at the Nandgram Police Station in Ghaziabad for a similar offense.
Legal Action
The Delhi Police have lodged a case against Bheem at the Geeta Colony Police Station under Sections 9/39/50/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 11(A) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The information about the seizure has also been passed to the Wildlife Department for further action.
Search for Associates
DCP (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary stated that a search operation is underway to apprehend Bheem’s associate, Ravi Bhatnagar. The authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the smuggling network and bring all culprits to justice.
This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Delhi Police to protecting wildlife and cracking down on illegal smuggling activities.