Mumbai’s bustling Juhu area became the scene of an extraordinary wildlife rescue when law enforcement busted an apartment housing a crocodile and a turtle in violation of national laws. A collaborative effort involving forest officials, crime branch detectives, and wildlife NGO Serp India led to the safe extraction of the animals from a private residence.
The operation stemmed from confidential intelligence received by the Forest Department, prompting Senior Forest Officer directives for immediate action. Forest Guard Roshan Binde linked up with Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-9, culminating in a raid at Ruiya Park on JR Mhatre Marg. The team arrived prepared, backed by panch witnesses for legal validity.
Inside the modest chawl flat, the suspects—a woman and her brother—were detained as searchers located the glass enclosure holding the live Indian marsh crocodile and Indian spotted turtle. These endangered species, listed in Schedule-1, cannot be owned privately, classifying the act as a grave crime.
Rescuers handled the situation with expert caution, transferring the reptiles to specialized containers amid full video recording. Questioning revealed Imran Ismail Sheikh, 29, as the primary culprit, with his sister implicating him. Charges under key Wildlife Protection Act sections were filed, and the animals were transferred to forest custody for veterinary attention and eventual release protocols.
Experts warn that such cases underscore a dangerous trend in illegal wildlife trade, often fueled by social media and black markets. Mumbai authorities are now ramping up joint patrols, calling on citizens to prioritize conservation over exotic thrills. Further inquiries aim to dismantle any supply networks involved.
