New Delhi: A joint raid in central Delhi’s Kabootar Market has exposed the illegal confinement and sale of protected birds and other animals. The operation led to the rescue of 863 animals, of which 431 birds have various degrees of protection under wildlife laws.The operation was conducted by the police in coordination with People For Animals (PFA), World Wide Animal, which is an animal welfare group, and Delhi forest and wildlife department.Among the 431 protected or scheduled birds found were 72 plum-headed parakeets, 183 ring-neck parakeets, 63 Alexandrine parakeets and 113 munias. “World Wide Animal seized these birds in coordination with the forest and wildlife department,” DCP (central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said.Another 432 birds and animals were rescued from cages that were found to be overcrowded and unhygienic. These included 148 budgies, 57 cockatiels, 96 lovebirds, 18 guinea pigs, nine grey squirrels, 41 white mice, 11 rabbits and 52 non-protected parakeets and other birds.The raid was done Sunday by a team from Jama Masjid and Daryaganj police stations. Police registered an FIR at the Jama Masjid police station Monday under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Five people, identified as Iqbal Khan, Akash, Kani Ram, Mohahmmad Adil Khan and Rashid Khan, all residents of Kabootar Market, were identified as accused and bound down. Police said no previous involvement of the five persons has been reported or verified at this stage.Police said the five were questioned about the source, procurement, transportation and sale of the animals. Investigators are now trying to trace the supply chain.
