In a major wildlife smuggling bust, customs officials at Pune Airport arrested two passengers on Tuesday evening, seizing a range of exotic animals including green tree pythons, rare parrots, and Sumatran striped rabbits.
The accused have been identified as Zaheerabbas Anyal Mandal and Bhavesh Rameshbhai Solanki, who arrived in Pune from Bangkok via an Air India Express flight around 6:30 PM. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, customs officials intercepted the duo and conducted a thorough search of their baggage.
The shocking discovery included:
14 green tree pythons (13 alive, 1 deceased),
4 double-eyed fig parrots, and
2 Sumatran striped rabbits.
A customs official informed media that the reptiles and birds were concealed in the hand baggage. “The seizure was made based on actionable intelligence. One python unfortunately died in transit,” said the official.
Authorities have registered a case under the Customs Act, 1962, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for illegal possession and smuggling of protected species. The accused will be presented before a judicial magistrate, and the case is under further investigation.
Support from forest and wildlife officials has been enlisted to ensure proper care for the rescued animals and further probe the source and intent of the smuggling operation.
Wildlife trafficking is a growing concern in India, especially via international flights. Officials are on high alert to curb the smuggling of rare and endangered species through air routes.
