Pune News: DRI Recovers Malabar Giant Squirrels, Indian Star Tortoises in Illegal Wildlife Trade Case
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 20th May 2026: Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Pune Regional Unit, intercepted two persons involved in the illegal possession and attempted sale of prohibited wildlife species in Pune.
DRI officers mounted surveillance and intercepted one suspect at the identified location on 20.05.2026. Upon examination, three live Malabar giant squirrels (Ratufa indica) were recovered, concealed inside two corrugated cartons.
Subsequent follow-up inquiries led DRI officers to another location in Pune, where a second suspect was intercepted. Seven live Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) were recovered from his possession.
Malabar giant squirrels are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and their hunting and trade are prohibited except as permitted under the Act. Indian star tortoises are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, according them the highest degree of protection, with prohibition on their hunting, possession, transport and trade.
The rescued wildlife, along with the two apprehended persons and the packing material used for concealment, have been handed over to the Forest Department, Pune, for further legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
