Wildlife trafficking: STF MP dismantles trafficking network, seizes exotic animals in Hyderabad | Bhopal News

Bhopal: As part of a major crackdown against wildlife trafficking, the Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has seized four wall pythons (Python regius) and four iguanas (Iguanas Iguanas ) during an operation targeting the illegal transport of animals. The live animals, originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, are currently under proper care at Van Vihar National Park and Zoo in Bhopal, in compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This recent success builds on an operation carried out in May by the STF, where they confiscated rare iguanas and emperor scorpions, both listed in Schedule IV of the law. The investigation accelerated with the arrest of the main suspect, Kartik, a resident of Delhi, on June 8. Presented before the special court in Indore, Kartik was taken into police custody. Based on the information obtained from him, the remand period was extended and other measures led to the arrest of another suspect in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. This subsequent search resulted in the seizure of more than 40 other animals. The investigation revealed a well-organized wildlife trafficking network operating across state lines. The gang allegedly used fake Parivesh 1.0 and Parivesh 2.0 accounts, government portals designed for environmental clearances, to hide their illegal activities. These accounts facilitated the clandestine trade in exotic animals. The authorities are looking for leads to identify potential collaborators outside India. This case highlights the critical need for stricter regulation of the wildlife trade. To address this issue, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has implemented the Live Animal Species (Declaration and Registration) Rules, 2024, applicable to CITES-listed animals. These rules require registration of birth, death and transfer of ownership for specific animal species through the online Parivesh 2.0 portal by August 31, 2024. This applies to all persons owning animals listed in Annexes I , II and III of the annex. IV of the amended Wildlife Protection Act (2022). Failure to meet the deadline will result in legal action. Officers advise the public to exercise caution when considering purchasing an animal and ensure it is registered on the Parivesh 2.0 portal. Pet store owners are also required to comply with these regulations and use the Parivesh 2.0 platform for all animal transfers and sales. The central government has established penalties for violating these new wildlife trade regulations. The Madhya Pradesh forest department has set a benchmark by taking action under the new laws.

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