Port Blair, 09 Sept: Based on a tip-off about poaching of wild animals, a team comprising Forest official of Tushnabad Range was constituted and pressed into combing operation on 06.09.2019. While carrying out search operation in the Kurmadera Coconut plantation, they intercepted one Mr. Rajesh Tirkey carrying cut meat of sea turtle weighing around 4.25 kg. On interrogation, he revealed names of his other accomplishes. On the basis of lead received from him, the team succeeded in apprehending Mr. Sanicharwa Tirkey, S/o.Ram Urong from Mohwadera creek area and also rescued a live Green Sea Turtle from his possession. Thereafter, both the accused were arrested under the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and produced before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Port Blair. From there they were sent to judicial custody for 14 days. The Green Sea Turtle was later released in its natural habitation.
The whole operation was carried out by Shri Mohammed Shabir, Forester, E.M. Mohammed Haneefa, Forest Guard along with Mazdoors namely Eliza, Mohammed Younus, Sajeeb Mon, Manick Halder and S.Ramesh under the close supervision of Mr. Jainal Abdin, Range Officer, Tushnabad.
The Sea Turtles are classified as endangered and has been given protection under Schedule-I and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, the cooperation of general public is requested in conserving the species. The Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman has, further, appealed to the general public to pass on credible information pertaining to illegal activities related to forest & wildlife over phone No.256178(Mobile Squad), 255344(Mannarghat Range), 224540 (Tushnabad Range), 287336(Manglutan Range), 252334(Garacharma Range), 281585(Jirkatang Range) & 255228(Divisional Office). The identity of the informer will be kept secret.
