Authorities swooped down on a Juhu flat in Mumbai, unearthing a bizarre setup where a crocodile and an Indian spotted turtle lived as clandestine pets. The high-stakes rescue by Forest Department, Crime Branch Unit-9, and NGO Serp India ensured both animals’ safety, spotlighting flagrant wildlife law breaches.
Triggered by intel on illicit reptile keeping, the mission saw forest personnel partner with police for a raid at JR Mhatre Marg’s Ruiya Park. Independent witnesses validated the search, which nabbed occupants Shahida and Imran Ismail Sheikh. The smoking gun: a small-room tank harboring the protected duo—Schedule-1 listings that ban private ownership outright.
Expert handlers navigated the extraction with precision, using secure enclosures and video logs to capture the tense moments. Imran, aged 29, stonewalled queries, while his sister confirmed his role in acquiring the animals. A FIR under pivotal Wildlife Act provisions followed swiftly.
Now in forest care, the reptiles await assessment and wild reintegration. This episode fuels debates on exotic pet culture’s perils in metros, where lax oversight enables trafficking. Officials pledge expanded operations, enlisting community vigilance to curb demand. The ongoing probe promises revelations on procurement trails, reinforcing India’s conservation resolve.