# Bengal

Woman arrested with 123 rare species turtles

Barrackpore police and forest department officials seized a large number of turtles being smuggled from Dhanbad to Majdia and arrested a woman in connection with the incident.

SNS | Kolkata | March 5, 2025 2:01 pm

Woman arrested with 123 rare species turtles

Barrackpore police and forest department officials seized a large number of turtles being smuggled from Dhanbad to Majdia and arrested a woman in connection with the incident.

The seizure took place on Tuesday afternoon in the Dhobighat area of Barrackpore after police noticed several individuals carrying suspicious bags. Upon being stopped for questioning, the suspects abandoned their bags and fled. While most managed to escape, one woman, identified as Saraswati Mondal, was caught. The police immediately informed the local forest department office in Barrackpore, and officer Subhasish Haldar arrived at the scene. A total of 123 turtles were recovered from the bags.

Turtles are now classified as endangered species, and possessing or selling them is legally punishable. Illegal poachers capture and sell these animals, severely disrupting the ecological balance. The authorities suspect that the turtles were being transported via Majdia in Nadia district to North 24-Parganas for sale. Barrackpore police have handed over the live turtles to the forest department, which will release them into a water body after confirming their species. Meanwhile, Saraswati Mondal has been detained for further investigation.

# India

Coast Guard launches ‘Operation Oliva’ to protect Olive turtles in Odisha

The Coast Guard has launched ‘operation Oliva’ coastal patrolling as part of its annual mission to ensure the safe mid-sea sojourn of breeding Olive Ridley sea turtles and mass nesting of these delicate marine species, the coast guard officials said on Friday.

# Bengal

Relief for locals as wandering tiger captured in Maipith

A tiger that strayed into Maipith’s jungles in the Sundarbans, was finally captured early this morning, thanks to the relentless efforts of forest officials.

# India

Palamu villagers lead the fight against forest fires

In a proactive effort to curb this recurring crisis, the Forest Department has formed 60 teams comprising local villagers to prevent and control fires. Each team consists of 15 members and has received financial assistance of Rs 75,000 to procure essential firefighting equipment.