India, May 22 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 10 protected wild animals, including three Malabar giant squirrels and seven Indian star tortoises, during an operation near Pune Railway Station on Wednesday. The DRI also apprehended two persons for illegal possession and attempted trade of these wildlife species.

Acting on a tip-off, DRI's Pune unit officers mounted surveillance at the identified location and intercepted the first suspect. During the search, officials recovered three live Malabar giant squirrels concealed inside two corrugated cartons.

Based on further input, the team tracked another suspect to a separate location and recovered seven live Indian star tortoises from his possession.

Both species are...