THE STATESMAN (Kolkata, India) 25 December 06 Seized turtles released
Jajpur: The Jajpur road forest range officer released all the 145 endangered fresh water turtles, seized by the police from a Digha-bound private passenger bus at Sharma petrol pump under Tritol block in Jagatsinghpur district. The turtles botanically known as lissemys punctata punctata were found in the rear side of the bus, packed in gunny bags on Wednesday late night. Orissa Wild Life Society secretary Mr Biswajit Mahanty, Jajpur Road forest ranger Mr Rajanikanta Mahanty and the local sarpanch were present during the turtle’s release, official sources said. Forest ranger, Mr Rajanikanta Mahanty said the seized turtles were released to avoid any casualty and for conservation of turtles. Ranger Mr Mohanty added smuggling of turtles, one of the precious species was a non-bailable offence. Forest officials of the district are alerted about smuggling of fresh water turtles to West Bengal market, he further added.
Seized turtles released