Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Five Arrested Over Protected Turtle Smuggling in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar stopped a vehicle carrying five people.
Inside, they found a live turtle in a jar of water.
Officials said the turtle was a protected species.
The people reportedly did not have permission or documents to possess it.
Police believe the turtle may have been used to trick people with promises of magical wealth or hidden treasure.
The five people were taken into custody.
A case was filed under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Investigators are trying to learn where the turtle came from.
They are also checking whether more people were involved.
The Local Crime Branch arrested five people at the Pathri toll plaza on September 13.
Police found a live turtle inside a water-filled plastic jar in their Ertiga vehicle.
The Forest Department confirmed that the turtle belonged to a protected species.
Investigators allege the group transported the turtle to promise victims “rain of money” and hidden treasure.
A case was registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, while police investigate the turtle’s source and possible associates.
- Who
- The Local Crime Branch arrested five alleged turtle traffickers: Akhtar Khan Shamin Khan Pathan, Shaikh Abrar Ahmed Mohinuddin Shaikh, Sabir Khan Ahmed Khan Mewati, Shaikh Mukhtar Shaikh Shahabuddin and Sayyad Abrar Ali Roshan Ali.
- What
- Five people were detained after police allegedly found them transporting a protected turtle without valid documents.
- When
- The operation took place on September 13.
- Where
- Police intercepted the Ertiga at the Pathri toll plaza, within the Wadod Bazar Police Station jurisdiction, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
- Why
- Police allege the turtle was being transported to lure victims with promises of a “rain of money” and hidden treasure.
- Arresting agency
- Local Crime Branch, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Rural Police
- Number detained
- Five
- Animal recovered
- One live turtle
- Recovery location
- Pathri toll plaza
- Vehicle
- Ertiga, registration number MH 05 EA 5248
- Legal action
- Case registered under the Wildlife Protection Act
- Investigation
- Police are examining the turtle’s source, the alleged smuggling motive and possible additional involvement.