Mumbai, June 26 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Nagpur Regional Unit of Mumbai Zonal Unit busted an illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate involved in the illicit trade of Malabar Giant Squirrels (Ratufa indica), Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Jungle Fowl and Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica) in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on June 24 and 25.

According to the Ministry of Finance, during the operation, the DRI officers intercepted a suspect in Srikakulam city and rescued four Malabar Giant Squirrels, one Indian Star Tortoise, and fourteen Jungle Fowl, all found confined in cages. Subsequent follow-up investigations led the DRI team to a remote location in Rayakurdi village, situated approximately 60 ...