Headmaster, 2 others held for smuggling endangered reptile

A school headmaster and two others were arrested today for allegedly smuggling a flying gecko, an endangered reptile, in Jalpaiguri district, official said.
Acting on a tip off, forest officials intercepted a car at a place near Gajoldoba bridge and rescued the animal which was kept in a cage, Belakoba Ranger Sanjay Dutta said.
One of the three arrested persons, Tabibur Rahaman Pramanick, is a primary school headmaster in Cooch Behar district and also a panchayat member won on Forward Bloc ticket, he said.
They had been going to Siliguri to sell the flying gecko for Rs 50 lakh, he said, adding it is being investigated whether the three accused are involved with an international racket, as such reptiles have a great demand in Nepal, he said.

About 6 to 8 inches long, flying geckos feature prominent skin flaps along their sides, including tail and feet, which helps them glide.