Dibrugarh, Sept. 11 -- Serious allegations have emerged regarding the alleged illegal capture and trafficking of Channa barca, locally known as Cheng fish, a rare species found in Assam's aquatic ecosystems of the Brahmaputra Valley.

The alleged operation is reportedly linked to a network based in Tinsukia district that is said to be sourcing the fish from different parts of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

Channa barca is a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its capture, possession and trade are subject to legal restrictions.

It is alleged that, following the suspension or non-availability of certain certificates or permissions associated with the fish trade, individuals involved in the network h...