Overview
- Intelligence developed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Mumbai triggered a coordinated CBI and DRI action with technical support from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau across Maharashtra and West Bengal.
- The joint raids led to six arrests and the seizure of 53 protected animals, birds and reptiles that officials say are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The CBI registered two cases on July 7 and July 8 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and for criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 to pursue the alleged traffickers.
- After initial proceedings the rescued animals were handed to the Maharashtra and West Bengal forest departments and Mumbai transferred custody of 37 individuals to the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare for medical treatment and stabilization.
- Reports differ slightly on species counts, with media lists naming slow lorises, binturongs, star tortoises, Egyptian vultures and shikra among the seized animals, and authorities are reconciling numbers while planning state‑to‑state repatriation and long‑term rehabilitation.