4 Malabar Giant Squirrels, 1 Indian Star Tortoise, 14 Jungle Fowl: DRI Nagpur Unit Busts Andhra Wildlife Trafficking Racket

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 15:47 IST

Based on fresh leads gathered during questioning, the DRI team travelled nearly 60 kilometres to the remote Rayakurdi village in search of more trafficked wildlife

In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a wildlife smuggling network operating in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district and rescued several protected species, including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Star Tortoise and Small Indian Civet.

The operation was carried out over two days — June 24 and 25 — by the DRI’s Nagpur Regional Unit under the Mumbai Zonal Unit following specific intelligence about the illegal trade of protected wildlife.

Acting on the input, DRI officers intercepted a suspect in Srikakulam city and found four Malabar Giant Squirrels, one Indian Star Tortoise and fourteen Jungle Fowl crammed inside cages. The animals were rescued on the spot. The operation, however, did not end there.

Based on fresh leads gathered during questioning, the DRI team travelled nearly 60 kilometres to the remote Rayakurdi village in search of more trafficked wildlife. Despite difficult terrain, no electricity and poor mobile connectivity, officers continued the operation late into the night. Their search led to the rescue of two Small Indian Civet cubs, believed to have been kept for illegal trade.

Officials said the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Star Tortoise and Small Indian Civet are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants them the highest level of legal protection. Hunting, possession, transport or trade of these species is a punishable offence.

Following the seizure, the rescued animals and the apprehended suspect were handed over to the Forest Department in Srikakulam for further investigation and legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Investigators believe the rescued animals were likely destined for the illegal exotic pet market, where rare Indian wildlife continues to attract high demand among traffickers and collectors.

The DRI said the operation reflects its continued focus on dismantling organised wildlife trafficking networks through intelligence-based enforcement in coordination with state forest authorities. The agency has also urged the public to report any information related to illegal wildlife trade, saying community participation remains crucial in protecting India’s biodiversity and curbing wildlife crime.

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Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @...Read More

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