Ahmedabad Crime Branch Busts Major Exotic Animal Breeding Racket in Residential Flat
In a significant crackdown, the Ahmedabad crime branch on Sunday dismantled an alleged illegal breeding and sale operation of exotic animals and birds, which was being conducted from a residential flat in the Navrangpura area. The raid resulted in the seizure of numerous rare and high-value species, all found confined in cramped cages within the premises.
Details of the Raid and Seizures
The accused, identified as Manikanandan K Nadar, aged 41, is reported to have transformed a 10x12 room in his flat into an improvised breeding facility over the past six to seven months. The investigation was initially launched based on intelligence suggesting his involvement in supplying snake venom for rave parties. However, during the search, authorities discovered a far more extensive network focused on the breeding and sale of exotic pets.
The seized animals include:
- A rare red-handed tamarin infant
- Seven Persian cats and kittens
- 14 hamsters
- 15 mini lop rabbits
- Nine Netherland dwarf rabbits
Additionally, exotic birds confiscated comprised:
- Six African grey parrots
- Five blue and gold macaws
- Three eclectus parrots
- Four sun conures
- Two galah cockatoos
- One sulphur-crested cockatoo
- Several lovebirds, cockatiels, budgerigars, and finches
Legal and Health Concerns
Police officials noted that documents uploaded on the 'PARIVESH' portal appeared incomplete and raised suspicions. A senior crime branch officer emphasized the severe risks involved, stating, "Keeping such wild and exotic species in high numbers in a congested residential area without biosecurity safeguards poses serious zoonotic disease risks."
The accused allegedly sold these animals for prices ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the breed, primarily targeting affluent buyers with farmhouses in and around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The forest department has been designated as the complainant in this case, and the crime branch has formally written to customs authorities to investigate potential illegal exports.
Permits, Health Risks, and Customs Investigation
When confronted by a neighbor who objected to the presence of exotic animals in the building, the accused claimed to possess a temporary permit issued by a forest department officer from Gandhinagar. However, during the raid, no valid permissions for commercial breeding, regular health certifications, or appropriate scientific housing infrastructure were found.
Under existing regulations for exotic species, owners are required to declare possession, maintain health records, and adhere to biosecurity norms. A senior officer highlighted the lack of compliance, noting, "There was no evidence of regular veterinary monitoring or quarantine systems."
Authorities are also probing the accused's alleged connections with customs officials in Chennai. There are suspicions that some animals may have been exported illegally or imported without proper declarations. An official stated, "We wrote to customs to verify the import-export trail and examine whether there was any collusion."
Background and Ongoing Investigations
Police are further investigating the background of the accused's family, as it is believed the business was inherited from his father. A comprehensive probe will be conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, forest department, and customs authorities to scrutinize documentation, assess the legality of imports, and evaluate potential public health hazards posed to residents.
