Overview
- A tip-off led the Forest Department, Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9, and an NGO to raid a Juhu chawl residence on February 3, where a juvenile Indian crocodile and an Indian spotted turtle were found in a glass enclosure.
- Police identified and arrested 29-year-old Imran Ismail Sheikh, registering an FIR at Juhu Police Station under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Charges include multiple provisions cited by officials, with sections reported as 2(1), 9, 39, 44, 48, 48(A) and 51 for illegal possession of protected species.
- Both animals are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which prohibits private possession or removal from the wild.
- The rescue was digitally recorded in the presence of two panch witnesses, the animals were secured by NGO specialists, and they are now in official custody for rehabilitation by the Forest Department.