Surat: The forest department rescued 18 Indian star tortoises from a city residence on Thursday and detained two persons in connection with the illegal trade in this protected animal.The action came after intelligence was received through the Wildlife Trust of India that a shop called “Surat Enterprise” was involved in the sale of Indian star tortoises, which are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, making their capture, possession, transport or sale a serious offence.Forest department officials and volunteers conducted a decoy operation by posing as customers. During the operation, one Dinesh Thakore allegedly contacted Mohammad Azhar Shaikh on the phone, asking about the availability of tortoises.According to officials, Shaikh confirmed that tortoises were available and said the animals were being kept at his residence in Gopipura.Forest department personnel kept monitoring the transaction and later intercepted the animals as they were brought to the shop. Officials rescued 18 tortoises and detained the accused.Investigators said Indian star tortoises are frequently traded illegally, including through online channels, with prices allegedly ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on size and age.“It seems this is a wider network of many people involved. The accused will be produced in court to get their custody and they will be questioned to find out the roles of others involved,” said Dhiraj Kumar, deputy conservator of forests, Surat.Forest officials say the trade is driven by demand from people who keep the tortoises because of superstitious beliefs or as pets. Investigators are also examining whether breeding and supply networks are involved in bringing the animals to traders in cities.
