The Pune Forest Department, in coordination with the Customs Department, has taken strict action against the illegal sale of Alexandrine Parakeets, a protected species, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
Acting on a tip-off, officials conducted an operation near Pune Railway Station on February 5 and nabbed an accused, identified as Sheikh Sarfaraz Sheikh Khadir. Further investigations led to the identification of another suspect, Sachin Sujit Rozoria, who was apprehended at Sangvi Phata on February 9. Upon confirmation of his involvement, he was arrested and presented before the Special Court in Shivajinagar, which granted a one-day remand.
On Monday, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Pune remanded the accused to judicial custody until February 21. Following the court order, both individuals were transferred to Yerawada Central Prison.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate and led by Forest Range Officer Suresh Barak. Several officials, including Wildlife Officer Vaibhav Babar, Pramod Raskar, and Forest Guards Kaluram Kad, Anil Rathod, Madhukar Godge, Okar Gund, Vinayak Tathe and Ramesh Shinde, played crucial roles in the crackdown.
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A police official stated, "Following an investigation, the accused were found guilty under Sections 2, 39, 48(a), 49, 50, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A case was registered against them, and they were arrested."
The Pune Forest Department has urged the public to report any illegal wildlife trade or suspicious activities to help combat trafficking.
