In a commendable act of wildlife protection, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully recovered 78 live turtles during ‘Operation WILEP’. The bust occurred on Friday morning aboard the Yog Nagari Rishikesh-Howrah Doon Express (train number 13010). The recovered Indian flapshell turtles are valued at approximately 7.8 lakh rupees.
The RPF’s vigilance team in Dhanbad received specific intelligence indicating the carriage of wildlife contraband in the train’s women’s coach. Following this lead, officers were stationed at Platform 02 to intercept the train. A thorough search of the coach led to the discovery of six suspicious cloth bags.
When no passenger claimed responsibility for the bags, the RPF team decided to investigate further. Upon opening the bags, they found the 78 live turtles housed within. The RPF has confiscated the entire lot and has lodged a complaint under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Forest Department has been notified and has taken custody of the rescued turtles. This successful operation is a significant blow against illegal wildlife trade and smuggling networks.