Rare Asian Black Spotted turtles seized in Bengal

Posted on 19th Mar 2015 11:35 am by mohit kumar

Kolkata, March 18 (IANS) The BSF on Wednesday seized nearly 100 rare Asian Black Spotted turtles while they were being smuggled to Bangladesh via the international border in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, officials said.

The turtles are valued at over Rs.58 lakh in the international market.

Acting on intelligence inputs, troopers of the Border Security Force's 152 battalion made the seizure during a special operation near Kalanchi border outpost.

On being challenged by the BSF, a smuggler dropped a bag in a field and fled, taking advantage of the thick forested area.

On searching the bag, 97 turtles were recovered, a BSF officer said.

The seized turtles have been handed over to the forest department.

The species is threatened as its meat is considered a delicacy in many areas. It is also kept as a pet.

The species is highly endangered in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

It fetches more than $2,000 each in Southeast Asian markets.

The BSF in January had made a similar seizure of 185 turtles valued Rs.1.11 crore from the same area.

Other news

IND vs ENG: 'There is no need to tamper with Test cricket..', Shubman said - the only format that gives you a second chance

Indian captain Shubman Gill has advised the ICC not to tamper with Test cricket. The Indian team

IND vs BAN Playing 11: Will Ashwin return or Shardul will play, know the possible playing 11 of India-Bangladesh

Team India's fourth match in the ODI World Cup 2023 is with Bangladesh. After winning the first t

Exclusive: India-Pakistan Foreign Minister met for the first time after the new government in Pakistan, there was scope for improvement in relations

India-Pak Relation: The Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan have met for the first time after

Corona Virus: First to 8th class examinations canceled in Maharashtra, students will be promoted in the next class without exam

New Delhi: The number of corona virus-infected patients is once again increasing in the country.

Ukraine Crisis: President of Ukraine told the date of the attack on Facebook, America told its citizens - to leave the country immediately

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Monday temporarily relocated their staff livin

WHO's warning about Omicron: People infected with the new variant are going to the hospital and even dying, do not make the mistake of taking it lightly

The Omicron variant has caused a worldwide tsunami of the corona. Due to this, there is a lot of

Decision : Petition for removal of 26 verses from the Quran, Supreme Court disallows a fine of 50 thousand

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the petition filed against the verses of the Quran Sharif.

GT vs CSK: To remain in the playoff race, Chennai will have to win the match against Gujarat, see playing 11.

Chennai Super Kings, which is missing its main bowlers due to injury and international

Russia Ukraine Crisis: European Union gave candidate status to Ukraine, and Russia occupied two villages

The European Union (EU) on Thursday officially granted Ukraine candidate status for membership. E

'Even Trump's tariff attack cannot stop India's speed', an American agency gives a surprising reason

US President Donald Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on Indian imports. After this, Indian exporte