In a joint operation, the Railway Police Force (RPF) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended two wildlife smugglers and seized 319 turtle shells valued at Rs 7-8 lakh from their possession. The accused, identified as Mithun Kumar and Vishal Kumar from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, were arrested when they boarded a general coach of the Kathgodam-Howrah Bagh Express.
The turtle shells were concealed in a trolley bag and two backpacks. Both individuals were taken into custody and charged under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Efforts are underway to locate their handlers and trace the source of the prohibited items. The market value of the seized shells is estimated at Rs 7 to 8 lakh.