Uttar Pradesh police sieze 42 turtles, 3 residents of Bihar arrested

Uttar Pradesh police today seized more than 40 turtles in a remote part of the district and arrested three persons from neighbouring state of Bihar, in this connection.

The police also claimed to have busted a gang of poachers with the arrest of the trio.

Acting on a tip-off, a police party nabbed one Santosh at Mailhan village under Phoolpur police station, 45km from Allahabad.

Santosh was carrying a huge bag on his back from which 18 live turtles were recovered, a police spokesperson said.

Interrogation of Santosh, a resident of Bhabhua district in Bihar, led to the arrest of Suresh and Antu, both hailing from Sasaram district of the neighbouring state.

The spokesperson said that 24 turtles were recovered from the duo's possession.

He said the trio was part of an inter-state gang which used to poach turtles from various parts of the country and sell the same at a heavy price.

A case was registered against all the three persons under the provisions of the Wildlife Act after which they were sent to jail, the spokesperson added.