In Noida, the joint team of Phase 1 police station and forest department has achieved great success. The joint team arrested two women who were trafficking rare species of banned turtles. These women were caught with 14 rare turtles, who were planning to bring them from Mathura and sell them in Noida on the occasion of Diwali.
According to information received from the police, these turtles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hunting and selling this species is completely illegal. The turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu has a special significance in Indian religious beliefs and this is the reason why the demand for turtles increases around Diwali.
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Many people believe that having a turtle at home helps Goddess Lakshmi reside. Taking advantage of this belief, smugglers sell turtles at high prices. During police interrogation, it was revealed that these women were planning to sell the turtles for meat as well.
The captured women are mother and daughter. The woman’s husband has died. Both used to bring turtles from Mathura and sell them in Sector-10 and surrounding areas of Noida. The Forest Department official, Shani Gautam, informed that this is a serious crime and that after recovering these turtles they will be given treatment. He will then be released in Ganganahar.
