Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force, with the assistance of the Central Bureau of Investigation, apprehended Mishrilal Mahor, a notorious wildlife smuggler, in Shivpuri district. Mahor, wanted for large-scale trafficking of Red Crown Roof Turtles, had been evading authorities for nearly a decade. The State Tiger Force had previously dismantled a gang involved in the illicit trade of these rare turtles, leading to multiple arrests, including foreign nationals.
The recent arrest of Mahor follows the apprehension of Tarak Nath Ghosh, a key figure in a reptile smuggling ring, in Kanpur. Ghosh, facing charges in multiple cases of illegal turtle and gharial trade, had been on the run for eight years, with arrest warrants issued against him by various courts. Investigations suggest Ghosh operated his syndicate across several Indian states and potentially had international connections in countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and Singapore.
Both Ghosh and Mahor appeared before the Shivpuri district court and were remanded to forest custody for further inquiries. The State Tiger Strike Force, in collaboration with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, continues its efforts to crack down on wildlife trafficking and apprehend individuals involved in these illegal activities.
