Overview
- A joint STSF–RPF–Bhopal Forest Division operation intercepted the 19322 Patna–Indore Express at Sant Hirdaram station and recovered 311 turtles from two bags.
- Coach attendant Ajay Singh Rajput, employed through a contractor, was detained as a suspected courier after allegedly receiving the consignment in Lucknow.
- Alleged kingpin Asif Khan was arrested in Dewas on February 10 and remains in custodial interrogation to trace financiers and distributors across multiple states.
- A 17-and-a-half-year-old suspect tied to sourcing in central Uttar Pradesh was apprehended in Lucknow and placed in a Bhopal detention home.
- Veterinarians report dehydration and stress in several Indian tent, crowned river and Indian roofed turtles now under care, with offences proceeding under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.