In a stunning discovery, authorities in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu neighborhood uncovered a live crocodile and an Indian spotted turtle being kept illegally inside a residential flat. The raid, conducted jointly by the Forest Department, Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-9, and the NGO Serp India, successfully rescued both animals without harm.
Acting on a tip-off, forest guards from the Andheri range office coordinated with police to target a house on JR Mhatre Marg in Ruiya Park, Moragaon Shankar Chawl. The operation unfolded swiftly on Thursday, with two independent panch witnesses present to ensure transparency. Upon entering, officials found Shahida Sheikh and her brother Imran Ismail Sheikh at the premises.
A search revealed the reptiles confined in a small glass tank in one of the rooms. The Indian crocodile and the turtle are both Schedule-1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act, making their private possession a serious offense punishable by law. The team meticulously extracted the creatures into secure cages, documenting every step on video.
During interrogation, Shahida admitted that her brother had brought the animals home, while Imran evaded direct answers. Police promptly registered a case against the 29-year-old under Sections 9, 39, 48, and 51 of the Act. The rescued wildlife has been handed over to the Forest Department for rehabilitation and care.
This incident highlights the growing issue of exotic pet trafficking in urban India, where affluent residents flout conservation laws. Officials vow to intensify surveillance to prevent such violations, urging the public to report suspicious activities. The investigation continues as authorities probe the source of these protected species.