New Delhi, July 9 -- In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, with support from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), have busted an interstate wildlife trafficking syndicate, rescuing 53 protected animals and birds and arresting six accused.
The rescued wildlife includes 15 Slow Loris, two Binturongs, 28 Star Tortoises, six Egyptian Vultures, and two Shikra birds. All these species are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection in India.
The joint operation was carried out at multiple locations in Maharashtra and West Bengal based on specific intelligence develop...