The rescued tortoises are recuperating under the WCCB’s care and will be reintroduced to their natural habitat soon..The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau WCCB arrested a 24-year-old man near Chetna College in Bandra east on Wednesday for allegedly trying to sell star tortoises. “Kale would buy China HOT SALE VACUUM BAG star tortoises from Crawford Market and then sell them at exorbitant prices to other illegal traders in the city,” said Rakesh Burman, a WCCB inspector. “Kale has not revealed any information about other tortoise dealers, but the probe is underway,” said Mr Burman. According to a report by the World Animal Protection, around 55,000 star tortoises are traded illegally from a single spot in India.

According to sources, the tortoises were bought from Crawford Market. Maranko, regional head — monitored the movements of the suspect and intercepted him near the college around 8 pm on Wednesday. It is because of this pattern they are favoured internationally as pets. The accused, Soham Kale, was carrying a cloth bag in which he had concealed six live star tortoises. Indian star tortoises are distinguished by the star-like pattern on their shells. Acting on a tip, the WCCB — lead by M. While trading, minimal care is given to the welfare of the tortoises and few survive being thrown around in bags or being packed tightly in crates with no space to move or breathe. This species is endangered and its possession, transport, sale or its offer of sale is illegal. The rescued tortoises The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau WCCB arrested a 24-year-old man near Chetna College in Bandra east on Wednesday for allegedly trying to sell star tortoises. The accused is a resident of Malad west. The massive scale of illegal trade in these tortoises is leading to their extinction. The accused along with the tortoises were produced before the Bandra court on Thursday, and he has been remanded to police custody till May 26.