Poisonous snakes, Cobras, Pythons, Crocodiles recovered from passenger's baggage at B'luru Airport
Bengaluru: A significant operation at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) resulted in the rescue of more than 230 reptiles, including cobras, crocodiles, tortoises, and lizards, as Bengaluru Customs sleuths intercepted a wildlife smuggler on Monday night.
The successful operation follows the arrest of the smuggler, who was attempting to transport these creatures alive in two suitcases, according to sources from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs.
The incident came to light when the 22-year-old smuggler from Ramnad in Tamil Nadu arrived on a Thai AirAsia flight FD 137 from Bangkok. Acting on suspicions, Customs officials detained and questioned the individual, leading them to discover the smuggled reptiles concealed within his suitcases. The seized creatures comprised poisonous snakes, lizards, and even small crocodiles.
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Among the rescued reptiles were four caimans, nearly 30 iguanas, four monocled cobras, pythons, tortoises, and lizards. The investigation also revealed the tragic fate of a young kangaroo or "joey" that had been hidden within one of the containers, ultimately succumbing to suffocation during transit.
"These wildlife smugglers introduce foreign species like the monocled cobras, originating from Thailand, which could disrupt the local reptile ecosystem if released into the wild," noted a wildlife expert.
The apprehended smuggler has been arrested under section 104 of the Customs Act and has been remanded in judicial custody. Further investigations are underway to determine his connections in Bengaluru and identify potential recipients of the smuggled reptiles.
The rescued animals were repatriated to Thailand on Tuesday night to ensure their safety and appropriate habitat.
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Holiday declared for Bengaluru schools on Wednesday due to heavy rain forecast
Bengaluru, Oct 15: Schools in Bengaluru Urban district will remain shut on Wednesday following heavy rain forecast, officials said.
"Due to continuous rains in Bengaluru, the Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the next two days. As a precautionary measure in the interest of students, all taluk Anganwadi centres, private/aided primary and high schools of Bengaluru City will be closed on Wednesday," a government order stated.
Government schools in the city are already closed for Dussehra holidays.
Incessant rains since early Tuesday threw normal life out of gear in central and southern parts of Karnataka, including the state capital Bengaluru where several localities witnessed water-logging and traffic congestion.
Students and office-goers in Bengaluru in particular had a tough time following road congestion due to the rains.
Rain is forecast to continue.
— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 15, 2024
I have advised BBMP to be on high alert. We have already deployed about 60 NDRF/SDRF personnel in Bengaluru and redeploying another 40 to be on stand by for any necessity. We have put Fire and Emergency Services on stand by for immediate response.…
