Two arrested selling exotic birds in Salabatpura
18.05.12
The raids were conducted following a tip off by a non-government organization Karuna, whose members noticed that this illegal trade of birds was rampant in the area.
According to the NGO, more than 5,000 birds and animals are sold in the city after being captured. "You can buy a pair of sparrows to a pair of budgerigars in few hundred rupees per pair to few thousand rupees per pair," said Kaushik Rana of Karuna.
Police arrested Salim Kadar Shekih and Mohinuudin Sheikh who were selling these birds opposite Air India office on Kotsafil road.
"As we got the information, we immediately raided the spot and rescued the birds and animals. The living species have been handed over to the forest department," said Vinay Shukla, police inspector, Salabatpura police station. Police is investigating the case to find out the source of birds and animal and in what price they were sold.
The same group had raided Shanivari Bazar last year. On June 5, 2011 too Mohinuudin Shekih was caught selling birds. The court had turned down Sheikh's appeal to hand over his birds. "According to Wild Life Protection Act, these birds live in a very sensitive area and can't be kept in a cage in public as it would lead to deafness in them. They can't be sold or can't be kept in captivity," said Rana.
Source: Times of India