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Four caught trying to sell Red Slender Loris variety of monkeys

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Four two-year-old monkeys of Red Slender Loris variety, an endangered species, were rescued by the Thane central crime detection unit on Thursday (Dec 4). Four people were trying to sell them near the Manpada petrol pump (R Mall). The four have been arrested and produced in court.

How did cops get wind of it?
The police were tipped off about some people trying to sell the endangered monkeys. Officials approached the four as potential buyers. The monkeys were in a plastic bag.

Who are the arrested?
The four arrested are: Viju Verghese Chako, 35, from Kasarwadavli, Nagraj Rajviraiyya Gujja, 53, from Bhiwandi, Rajendra Balwant Vidhate, 39, from Badlapur, and Vinod Krushna Sutar, 31, from Chandgad in Kolhapur. They have been booked under various section of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972 of the Indian Penal Code.

Where were they kept?
"We spotted a Wagon R car and four people in it with a plastic bag. Cops approached them saying they were there to buy the monkeys. They showed us the animals. We immediately informed other staff, and started negotiating on its price. They demanded Rs35 lakh for a pair. We brought it down to Rs32 lakh. We then caught the four and took them to Kapurbawdi station," said senior police inspector D Ghevare, Thane central crime detection unit.

Why do people buy this species?
"This is the first time we have caught anyone trying to sell this species. Next day we produced the accused to court which remanded then in police custody till December 8. We are investigating to know from where they had got the monkeys. It's said this animal is used for black magic. We have told forest officials that soon we would release these animals into their natural habitat in Tamil Nadu," Ghevare added.
Another official said: "Red Slender Loris is mostly used for black magic. Impotent people eat its private parts. In international market a monkey may fetch up to one crore rupees.

What is its natural habitat?
Pratik Vatkar, a member of Eco Echo, an NGO, said: "We have studied about this species in Kerala where they are found. They are a nocturnal animal and found in Western Ghats. They mostly stick to tree tops and feed on insects and fruits. I have also heard that in Kerala some people believe that if a woman sees it, she will never conceive again."

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