Over 700 flapshell turtles recovered from Mainpuri

In a joint operation by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the police, 711 Indian flapshell turtles were recovered and three persons arrested from Gihar colony in Karhal tehsil of the district.
"The recovery was made after receiving a tip-off on November 8. Three persons were arrested in this regard and FIR has been registered against them under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972", Divisional Forest Officer Siddhartha Ambedkar told reporters.
Last year, 1,650 turtles were rescued from Mainpuri in four separate operations and it has come to the fore that turtles are being smuggled in an organised way from Mainpuri, he said.

Ambedkar said the recovery came as a result of improved information network developed during the past one year.
Those involved in wildlife smuggling will face tough time in days to come, he said.
There is huge demand of turtles in South-East Asian countries.