Accused in illegal turtle trade arrested in New Town; two turtles weighing 11 kg rescued

• Shankar Mandal, an accused in the illegal turtle trade, has been arrested in the New Town area
• During the operation, two turtles weighing 11 kg were rescued
• Authorities suspect the existence of a larger network involved in the illegal turtle trade 

Wildlife Crime Control Cell officials have successfully apprehended an accused, Shankar Mandal, involved in the illegal turtle trade in the New Town area. Two turtles, weighing 11 kg, were also rescued in the operation.

For a considerable period, officials had been receiving information about a person on a bike selling turtles in various areas adjacent to Rajarhat New Town. Acting as potential buyers, officials approached the individual, and upon his arrival in New Town with the tortoises, he was caught red-handed. Two turtles, weighing approximately 11 kg, were rescued, leading to the arrest of the accused turtle trader. The suspect is expected to be presented in court today.

Crime control officials suspect the involvement of a larger gang in this illegal trade. They are currently working to determine the origin of the turtles, their storage locations, and the individuals or entities behind this operation.