631 turtles seized in Odisha wildlife raid

The Odisha Forest Department on Wednesday seized 631 Indian Flap-Shell Turtle during a special operation near the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in Malkangiri district, officials said.

Acting on a tip-off, forest personnel from the Motu Range under the Malkangiri forest division carried out a raid and recovered the turtles, which were stored in 38 plastic trays for illegal transportation.

According to Divisional Forest Officer Sai Kiran, the turtles were allegedly transported in a van by two persons from Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh to the Odisha border.

The consignment was reportedly meant to be sold to five buyers from Odisha for illegal wildlife trade, the official said.

Forest officials detained seven people in connection with the incident and initiated legal action under wildlife protection laws. Authorities said the rescued turtles would be safely released into their natural habitat after necessary procedures.

Officials added that the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb wildlife smuggling and protect endangered species in the region.