Three Individuals Arrested for Illegally Selling Exotic Parrots in Pune
Pune, 31st March 2024: In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Forest Department of Pune nabbed three individuals for illicitly selling exotic birds near Lohia IT Park, Kothrud, Pune. Acting on confidential information received today, authorities arrested the accused and rescued two Alexandrine parrots.
The accused individuals have been identified as Piyush Dattatraye Pasalkar (21) from Karve Nagar, Yash Ramesh Kangude (21) from Warje, Karve Nagar, and Sourav Kondiba Zore (19) from Warje, Karve Nagar.
Under the leadership of Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Mahadev Mohite, Forest Ranger Bhamburda Pradeep Sapkal and guard Hake, along with their team, conducted the operation. Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate from Satara provided valuable assistance during the operation.
The Alexandrine Parrot, a species listed in Schedule 2 Part B of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, is protected under law, making its possession, sale, hunting, or rearing illegal. Offenders face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines of up to Rs 10,000.
