Attabira: Tortoises are being sold in open with impunity at Udepur bazaar on the side of Godbhaga Turum-Sonepur state highway in Bargarh district, a report said.
Poachers reportedly catch these named species from the Mahanadi with nets. They sell these aquatic creatures on the roadside itself.
On any given day, one can find these tortoises on sale by the road side, even during day hours, locals observe.
Policemen as well as forest officials use the route for regular communication, but the fact that how the poachers are still not punished raises many eyebrows.
Some even alleged that the law enforcers are hand in glove with these violators.
By taking no steps against these poachers, the law enforcers are indirectly encouraging the crime, they observed, adding that it is time action was taken against them.
All aquatic animals, wild animals, birds, reptiles, butterflies and moths which are found in wild in India are protected.
“The ownership and trading of any animal whose natural habitat is in the wild within the country’s boundaries is prohibited by law,” states the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972.
When asked as to why no steps have been taken against these people, Bheden outpost officer Prakash Chandra Patra said they would investigate into the allegations and appropriate action would be taken against them.
PNN
