Jamshedpur: In a major crackdown against wildlife trafficking, the Forest Department seized more than 100 parrots and arrested a smuggler during a swift operation near Sakchi roundabout on Sunday evening. The birds were being illegally transported from Kolkata to Jamshedpur for sale in local markets.
According to officials, the operation was carried out after the department received specific intelligence about a consignment of parrots being brought into the city. Acting on the tip-off, Forest Department teams laid a trap in and around the Sakchi area and intercepted the traffickers as soon as they arrived.
During the search, officials recovered over 100 parrots packed inside small cages under extremely cruel conditions. The birds were tightly crammed, raising serious concerns about their health and safety. Timely intervention by the Forest Department prevented the parrots from being illegally sold in Sakchi market and other parts of the city.
Forest officials said preliminary investigation suggests the birds were part of an organised wildlife smuggling network operating between Kolkata and Jamshedpur. Efforts are now underway to identify local receivers and others involved in the illegal trade.
All the seized parrots have been shifted to a safe location, where their health is being closely monitored. A case has been registered against the arrested accused under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, and further legal action is in progress.
Confirming the operation, DADO Saba Alam said the department had received credible information about the illegal consignment. “Wildlife trafficking is a serious offence. Strict action will be taken against everyone involved under the Wildlife Protection Act,” he said.
Following the raid in one of the city’s busiest areas, the Forest Department has intensified surveillance to curb illegal wildlife trade and prevent similar incidents in the future.
