Overview

• The Forest Department, working with the Wildlife Welfare Association, carried out the raid at a sector 8 pet shop in Ulwe, Panvel.
• Two traders—Devendra Lalchand Patil of Koparkhairane and Haresh Damodar Patil of Pen—were arrested during the operation.
• Both accused were produced before the Panvel court and remanded to two days of police custody.
• Officials seized 42 protected Munias—16 Scaly-breasted, 14 Tricolored and 12 Red—which are now in Forest Department custody.
• The case was registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, and officials noted Munias are Schedule II species often trapped from areas such as Karnala and sold locally.