4 arrested in illegal python trade | Mangaluru News
Mangaluru: Four persons, including a minor, were arrested by the forest department for attempting to trade an Indian rock python, a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, recently. The accused were identified as Vihal H Shetty,18, of Ulipady, Mangaluru; Ibrahim Shakeel Ismail,35, a pet shop owner, hailing from Ullal; Mohammed Mustaf,22, also from Ullal; and a 16-year-old minor boy.Acting on a tip-off, officials from the Mangaluru forest range conducted a raid at Ashwathakatte in Kadri, during which the protected snake was seized. The operation was led by range forest officer Rajesh Baligar, under the guidance of deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Antony Mariyappa and assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Clifford Lobo.DCF Antony Mariyappa said, “Upon receiving credible information, our team conducted a raid by posing as potential buyers. During the operation, it was confirmed that the suspects were involved in the illegal trade of an Indian rock python. All the accused were produced before a magistrate, and a case was registered.”Preliminary investigations suggest that the python may have been sourced from Tamil Nadu. “Further tracking is under way and will help provide additional leads,” he added. Indian rock pythons are often trafficked for their skin and as exotic pets, making them a target of illegal wildlife trade despite their protected status.
