As many as 97 tortoises have been rescued at the Mumbai International Airport here from a Patna resident who was taking a flight for Bangkok.
Mohammed Arif was to travel by the 11.20 PM flight of Thai Airlines yesterday.
While screening, the security officer got suspicious and referred Arif's bag for physical checking. As many as 97 live tortoises of various sizes were found in eight pouches, a MIAL official said.
The CISF and the Airport Customs were informed and Arif, who had already boarded the flight, was asked to alight.
During questioning Arif claimed the bags were handed over to him by a friend, Nasir, and he was also given USD 300.
Customs and the Forest Department are conducting further investigations.
