DRI’s ‘Operation Kachchhap’ Rescues 955 Live Baby Gangetic Turtles, Apprehends Six in Crackdown on Illegal Wildlife Trade

In a significant move to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) executed a multicity operation named “Kachchhap,” resulting in the apprehension of six individuals and the rescue of 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of various species in Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chennai on September 30, 2023.

Intelligence gathered by DRI officers revealed the existence of a syndicate engaged in the illegal trafficking and trading of ‘Turtles of Ganges.’ Several of these turtle species are classified as vulnerable or near-threatened under the IUCN Red List and fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Illegal trade and habitat degradation pose grave threats to the survival of these species.

In response to this alarming situation, DRI officers devised a comprehensive, all-India plan to simultaneously apprehend offenders across the country and rescue the imperiled turtles.

Through coordinated efforts, DRI officers successfully intercepted a total of six individuals and recovered 955 live baby turtles of diverse species, including the Indian Tent Turtle, Indian Flapshell Turtle, Crown River Turtle, Black Spotted/Pond Turtle, and Brown Roofed Turtle.

Following the initial seizure under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, both the perpetrators and the Gangetic turtles were handed over to the respective Forest Departments for further investigation.

This operation marks the latest in a series of crackdowns undertaken by DRI in recent months as part of its commitment to preserving the environment and combatting the illegal wildlife trade. Several of the rescued turtle species remain classified as vulnerable or near-threatened under the IUCN Red List and Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Illegal trade, overexploitation for meat, and habitat degradation continue to threaten the existence of these vital species.