Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust at Varanasi Railway Station
In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of protected species, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) apprehended a key member of a wildlife smuggling gang at the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station on Tuesday. The operation led to the recovery of a staggering 334 live birds, including species like the Rose Ring Parrot and the Alexandrine Parakeet.
Operation and Arrest Details
The STF had been acting on intelligence about the illicit trade of protected wild animals for several days. A dedicated team, under the leadership of Inspector Pramod Kumar Verma, received a specific tip about a trafficker planning to transport specimens to West Bengal. Collaborating with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the team successfully intercepted the accused at Platform No. 5 of the station.
The arrested individual was identified as Mohammad Jahid, a resident of Bardhhaman district in West Bengal. Alongside the birds, authorities confiscated plastic bags used for transport and Rs 3,700 in cash from his possession.
Interrogation Reveals Lucrative Trade
During questioning, Jahid disclosed his modus operandi. He had traveled to Fatehpur district to meet a contact involved in catching and trading birds. After acquiring the birds from a local source, he packed them into plastic bags for transport. The interrogation uncovered the shocking profit margin of this cruel trade. Jahid purchased each bird in Uttar Pradesh for a mere Rs 150 to Rs 200, with the intention of selling them in West Bengal for Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 each.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Varanasi has registered a formal case against Mohammad Jahid. The seized birds, which are protected under wildlife laws, have been taken into custody for care and rehabilitation. Further legal actions are currently in progress, marking a crucial step in disrupting a network that exploits India's rich biodiversity for profit.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by state authorities to combat the illegal wildlife trade, a serious threat to endangered species across the country.
