On 1st October 2018 Team of Wildlife Welfare Association along with Peta and Crime branch of Nashik Police managed to seize 08 Indian Marsh Crocodile and 02 Black Pond Turtle from being smuggled for pet trade. Both these species belong to Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act , 1972.
4 days ago we received tip off from our confidential sources that one person is selling crocodile in Nashik. We immediately got into contact of Mr. Ravinder Singal ( Commissioner , Nashik Police) . He told us to get into contact with Mr. Dinesh Bardekar ( Senior PI) of crime branch unit 2. After that we decided the plan of action and how to go after it.
We contacted the accused and he told us to come near Sarda Circle where he was waiting. He had brought 02 crocodiles in Small Brown cardboard box. We caught him red handed and brought to police station.
Later during investigation he told address where he had kept other animals. Police team visited that place and seized 06 Crocodile and 02 Black pond turtle. And also arrested 2nd accused.
The crocodile were observed to be malnourished, subdued and powerless. They were taken to Government Veterinary Hospital for further treatment.
Now smugglers Faiz Kokni and Saurabh Gholait were handed over to forest department for further investigation. They will be booked under respective section of WPA 1972 and PCA 1960.
They will be produced before local court today.
We want to Thank Mr. Ravinder Singal for his co operation during entire operation. Also to Mr. Dinesh Bardekar and his staff.
We also want to thank Meet Ashar for being in contact with our team through out entire operation and making necessary arrangements.
Crocodile are recovering under care of Nashik Forest department and Abhijeet Mahale is helping them to look after them properly.
Kudos to our team members Aniket Rajendra Kadam Omkar Kolekar Nikhil Sahebrao Mahajan Aditya D Patil.
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