Rourkela, Jan 23: A specialized team from the Forest Department successfully apprehended two individuals involved in the illegal trade of wild birds, seizing a total of 82 parrot hatchlings in Rourkela. The operation revealed that two other accomplices in the illicit activity are currently evading authorities, as confirmed by forest officials.

Acting on a credible tip about the extensive bird smuggling operation in Rourkela, the Forest Department received information from reliable sources indicating that 10 birds were slated for transportation to Cuttack via bus. Subsequently, the team intercepted the suspects, apprehended them, and confiscated the birds. Further interrogation led the authorities to a residence on Nala Road in the city, where a raid uncovered an additional 72 parrots in the possession of two individuals.

Providing details, Rourkela Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jaswant Sethi stated, "We have registered a case under section 39 and 49 (A) of the Wildlife Protection Act and arrested them. They will be forwarded to court today."

One of the apprehended individuals, Muna Sahu, admitted that the illegal trade was a seasonal business for them.

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