17 Tortoises Seized from Train in Odisha, Two Detained

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has recovered 17 live tortoises and detained two persons during a raid at Balasore railway station, officials said on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the South Eastern Railway (SER), the seizure was made from the Bhadrakh-Kharagpur passenger train on Thursday. The tortoises were found packed inside bags being carried by the two detainees.

The rescued tortoises have been handed over to the Forest Department for further action, while an investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident is linked to illegal wildlife trade.

Wildlife trafficking through railway routes has been a matter of concern in Odisha, with several such seizures reported in recent months, officials added.