631 turtles seized near Andhra border by Odisha forest department, 7 arrested.

In a recent operation in Malkangiri district, the Odisha forest department made a significant seizure of 631 Indian flap shell turtles near the border with Andhra Pradesh. The raid was conducted by the Forest Department personnel of the Motu range under Malkangiri forest division, following a tip-off. The turtles were found stored in 38 plastic trays, according to Malkangiri DFO Sai Kiran.

The illegal transportation of these turtles was brought to light when two individuals from Korkulla village in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, were caught red-handed with a van full of these endangered creatures. They had planned to trade and sell them to five people from Odisha. All seven individuals involved in this heinous act were arrested, and the authorities also seized the van, six mobile phones, and two motorcycles from their possession.

The DFO informed that a case has been registered against the offenders for violating wildlife laws, and further investigation is underway. This is not the first time such an incident has taken place in this region. In fact, just a few days ago, on March 2, the forest officials had seized 210 live Indian flap shell turtles, also being smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Malkangiri district.

It is disheartening to see such a blatant disregard for the protection of endangered species. The Odisha forest department is committed to cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and ensuring that those responsible for such activities are brought to justice. As the state's No.1 English daily, Orissa POST will continue to keep its readers updated on any developments in this case.

Let us all work together to preserve and protect our precious wildlife.