In a significant crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade, authorities in Pune have apprehended three individuals for selling protected species of parrots. The operation, conducted on Sunday, was a collaborative effort between the state forest department and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Joint Operation Nets Accused in Tingrenagar
The arrests took place in the Tingrenagar area of Pune. Acting on specific intelligence, officials from the two agencies conducted a raid and caught the three men red-handed while they were attempting to sell the birds. The authorities successfully recovered a total of six parakeets from the possession of the accused. This included five Alexandrine Parakeets and one Nose-Ringed Parakeet.
Protected Species Under Wildlife Law
Senior officials from the forest department clarified the legal status of the seized birds. They stated that both the Alexandrine Parakeet and the Nose-Ringed Parakeet are listed under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This classification grants them a high degree of protection, making their capture, trade, or sale a serious criminal offence.
"These species cannot be captured or sold in the market," a senior official told reporters. "The punishment for such violations can lead to imprisonment of up to three years." The Act is a crucial tool in India's efforts to conserve its biodiversity and curb the illegal animal trade.
About the Seized Birds
The Alexandrine Parakeet is a medium-sized parrot native to South and Southeast Asia, including various regions of India like Maharashtra. The Nose-Ringed Parakeet, also known as the Rose-ringed Parakeet, is commonly found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of tropical North Africa. Their popularity in the pet trade often makes them targets for poachers.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
Forest department officials confirmed that further investigations into the case are currently ongoing. The three arrested individuals will be subjected to detailed questioning to uncover more information. Authorities aim to determine the source of the birds, identify potential networks involved in the illegal trade, and find out if there are more buyers or sellers connected to this racket.
This seizure highlights the persistent challenge of wildlife trafficking in urban areas and underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in enforcing environmental laws.
