The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, have dismantled an interstate wildlife trafficking racket, rescuing 53 protected animals and birds and arresting six accused across Maharashtra and West Bengal.
According to an official press release issued by the CBI on July 9, 2026, the coordinated operation was carried out with the support of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Mumbai and Kolkata, following intelligence developed by DRI Mumbai regarding an organized syndicate engaged in the illegal trade of wildlife protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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53 Protected Animals and Birds Rescued
The enforcement agencies rescued a total of 53 protected animals and birds, comprising:
- 15 Slow Lorises
- 2 Binturongs
- 28 Star Tortoises
- 6 Egyptian Vultures
- 2 Shikra birds
The rescued species are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection to endangered wildlife in India.
Simultaneous Raids Across Two States
The joint action was conducted at multiple locations in Maharashtra and West Bengal based on specific intelligence indicating the existence of an interstate trafficking network dealing in protected wildlife species.
Following the operation, the CBI registered two separate criminal cases on July 7 and July 8, 2026.
Six Arrested
The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of six individuals:
- Three accused were arrested in Mumbai, and
- Three accused were arrested in Kolkata.
The authorities believe the accused procured protected animals and birds from different parts of the country for illegal trading activities.
Charges Invoked
The cases have been registered under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, along with offences relating to criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
The investigation is expected to examine the broader network involved in sourcing, transporting, and trading protected wildlife across state boundaries.
Rescued Wildlife Handed Over to Forest Authorities
After completing the initial legal proceedings, the rescued animals and birds were handed over to the respective Forest Departments of Maharashtra and West Bengal for safe custody, rehabilitation, and further care in accordance with wildlife protection protocols.
Agencies Reaffirm Commitment Against Wildlife Crime
The CBI stated that the successful operation highlights the close coordination between the CBI, DRI, and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in combating organized wildlife crime. The agencies emphasized that such collaborative enforcement efforts are aimed at disrupting illegal trafficking networks and ensuring strict implementation of India’s wildlife protection laws.
The investigation into the case is currently ongoing, and authorities are expected to pursue further leads to identify additional individuals connected with the trafficking syndicate.
