Assam Authorities Seize 11 Endangered Tokay Geckos; Three Suspected Wildlife Traffickers Arrested in Dibrugarh
Why in News?
- The Assam Police successfully seized 11 rare tokay gecko lizards and arrested three individuals involved in smuggling these endangered species. The operation highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking in the region.
Important Key Points:
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Seizure of Tokay Geckos:
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Assam Police in Dibrugarh seized 11 tokay gecko lizards, a rare and endangered species, during an operation on Friday.
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The smugglers had intended to sell each gecko for around Rs 60 lakh.
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Arrests Made:
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Three individuals were arrested: Debashis Dohutia (34), Manash Dohutia (28), and Dipankar Gharphalia (40).
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They were apprehended after smuggling the geckos from Arunachal Pradesh.
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Police Operation:
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The Special Task Force (STF), with support from the Wildlife Justice Commission, set up a trap based on a tip-off about the wildlife smuggling.
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The suspects were intercepted at Sun Feast Dhaba in Mohanbari, Dibrugarh.
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Smuggling Details:
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The suspects were traveling in a white car and a motorcycle.
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One of the suspects was seen carrying a red-colored backpack, which contained the seized geckos.
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Wildlife Trafficking Concern:
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The incident sheds light on the illegal wildlife trade in Assam and the growing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb such activities.
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