The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is investigating a suspected interstate wildlife trafficking network after 30 protected turtles were seized from two men in Indore. Preliminary questioning has indicated possible links with Maharashtra and other states, prompting officials to expand the investigation beyond the seized animals to identify their suppliers, buyers and other people involved in the alleged trafficking chain.

The State Tiger Strike Force arrested Keshav Sharma, a resident of Musakhedi, and Rohan Gaur in connection with the alleged smuggling. After being produced before a court, the two were remanded to the Forest Department's custody until August 24. Investigators are now trying to establish where the turtles were sourced, how they were transported to Indore and who was supposed to receive them. Officials are also examining whether the two accused had been involved in the trade for a longer period or had only recently become part of the network.

Suspected Supply Chain

According to the preliminary investigation, the two accused allegedly had separate roles in the operation. Keshav was responsible for contacting prospective customers and negotiating turtle deals, while Rohan allegedly handled deliveries to buyers. Investigators are now examining the contacts stored on their mobile phones, call records and other digital evidence to identify people operating behind them. Officials suspect that the wider network could include people involved in catching turtles, transporting them between locations, arranging supplies and delivering them to customers.

The investigation has widened after officials found indications of connections with Maharashtra and potentially other states. The Forest Department is seeking to establish whether the seized turtles were sourced locally or brought into Madhya Pradesh from another region. The agency is also looking into the alleged demand for these species beyond Indore, including claims that they are sought in international markets. Any interstate or international links will need to be established through further investigation.

Three Protected Species Seized

The operation led to the recovery of 30 turtles belonging to three species. Officials seized 14 Indian Star Tortoises, 10 Indian Roofed Turtles and six Spotted Pond Turtles, along with three mobile phones. According to the Forest Department, the recovered wildlife is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The seizure has raised concerns because protected turtle and tortoise species are targeted in illegal wildlife trade for various reasons, making the identification of the entire supply chain important for investigators. The Forest Department is expected to use the evidence recovered from the accused and their digital devices to trace the source of the animals and identify potential buyers. The remand period until August 24 will allow investigators to question the accused further and examine the suspected Maharashtra connection.

If the links identified during questioning are corroborated, the investigation could lead to more arrests and reveal a wider interstate network involved in the alleged trafficking of protected turtles.