Archive · 7 Jan 2026
STF arrests wildlife trafficker with 334 parrots in Varanasi
The police in Uttar Pradesh caught a man named Mohammad Zahid who was trying to sell 334 parrots illegally.
These parrots are protected by law, meaning it's not allowed to catch or sell them.
The man was at a train station in Varanasi when the police stopped him.
He had bought the parrots in Uttar Pradesh for a low price and was planning to sell them in West Bengal for a much higher price.
The police found the parrots in plastic bags and also found some money on him.
The man said he got the parrots from another person named Karan, who catches different kinds of birds.
The police are now taking legal action against the man.
Mohammad Zahid was arrested by the STF at Varanasi Cantt railway station with 334 protected parrots.
The parrots were of prohibited species, Rose-ringed Parrot and Alexandrine Parakeet.
Zahid procured the parrots from a man named Karan and his associate in Pratapgarh district.
He was transporting the parrots to Bardhaman, West Bengal, to sell them at a higher price.
The STF recovered seven plastic bags, the parrots, and Rs 3,700 in cash from Zahid.
- Who
- Mohammad Zahid, a member of an inter-state wildlife trafficking gang
- What
- Arrest of a wildlife trafficker and rescue of 334 protected parrots
- When
- Tuesday, around 7:15 pm
- Where
- Platform number 5 of Varanasi Cantt railway station
- Why
- To prevent the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species
- Arrested Person
- Mohammad Zahid
- Location of Arrest
- Varanasi Cantt railway station
- Number of Parrots Rescued
- 334
- Species of Parrots
- Rose-ringed Parrot and Alexandrine Parakeet
- Accused's Destination
- Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Purchase Price in UP
- Rs 150 to Rs 200 per bird
- Selling Price in West Bengal
- Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per bird
- Cash Recovered
- Rs 3,700