The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended Rafiqul Sheikh, a 36-year-old resident of Jessore, Bangladesh, at the Indo-Bangladesh international border in West Bengal. The 5th battalion of BSF intercepted Sheikh as he attempted to cross the Ichamati River. Three bags in his possession contained 296 endangered star turtles.
The suspect was arrested and handed over to the Gaighata Police Station, while the rescued turtles were transferred to the state forest department. Smuggling of rare animal species has become a concerning trend along the Indo-Bangladesh border, with instances reported in various bordering districts of West Bengal.
In a previous case, state forest department officials rescued three Tokay Geckos in Siliguri, North Bengal, in October. The Siliguri corridor has emerged as a critical hub for smuggling rare animal species.