CBI Uncovers Wildlife Trafficking Syndicate Sourcing Protected Species from Bangladesh

The Central Bureau of Investigation has busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate allegedly led by Arjun Mondal, who sourced protected animals from Bangladesh for illegal sale across India. A joint CBI-DRI operation in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas recovered 15 slow lorises and 6 Egyptian vultures, both listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, offering the highest legal protection.

Investigators found the vultures caged at a property in Habra, with co-accused Saikat Biswas revealing that Mondal had brought them a month earlier. Another associate, Himanshu Mondal, was tasked with feeding and caring for the animals. The probe uncovered that more protected species were being held at Himanshu Mondal's residence.

The CBI Economic Offences Branch, working with intelligence inputs, identified Mondal as the kingpin orchestrating the cross-border smuggling and domestic trafficking network.