Pangolin rescue blows lid off trafficking ring

Sevaliya: What began as a routine probe under the Wildlife Protection Act has ripped the cover off a high-stakes, inter-state pangolin trafficking racket, with investigators busting a Rs 5 crore–Rs 8 crore illegal deal involving India's most endangered mammal.The trail led from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra to Ahmedabad, ending in a dramatic chase at the old Sevaliya checkpoint in Kheda on April 20. Three men were apprehended after a white SUV carrying a live Indian pangolin—a Schedule I species—attempted to flee. The vehicle was intercepted less than a kilometre away when it ran into traffic.The pangolin, meant to be sold illegally for anywhere between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore depending on its "quality", was found stuffed inside a suitcase alongside injectable vials and syringes. On Thursday, CID's Wildlife Crime Cell booked at least nine people, including a railway employee from Ahmedabad. Investigators say the case exposed a wider network moving animals undetected through layered routes.Police revealed that the pangolin had been captured from a forested area near Gadchiroli and transported through multiple states as part of a planned operation. The SUV ferrying the animal was allegedly being piloted by two men on a two-wheeler to scout the route and warn of checkposts.Those taken into custody were Ravindra Barsagade, Dinesh Jode, and Narendra Chauhan. However, four others managed to slip away during the operation.The investigation has identified Manoj Gaikwad, a railway employee based in Nava Naroda, and Ayush Kharwade of Gadchiroli as key links. They allegedly coordinated with buyers and middlemen, luring them with the promise of astronomical payouts. Efforts are underway to track down the remaining accused and dismantle the entire trafficking network behind this lucrative illegal trade.
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