Doomdooma: The rescue of a second rare turtle within two days along the Digboi–Tingrai–Doomdooma road in Assam’s Tinsukia district has raised concerns over possible illegal wildlife trafficking in the area.
Wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran has urged the Forest Department and district administration to investigate the consecutive recoveries and determine whether they are connected.
“Today, another rare large turtle was rescued with the Doomdooma Forest Department from beside the road connecting Tingrai and Doomdooma. The turtle was moving along the road,” Moran said in a social media statement on Wednesday.
Moran said the recovery of two turtles belonging to the same species along the same stretch of road on consecutive days appeared suspicious. He questioned whether the route could be used to transport turtles illegally and called on the authorities to take the matter seriously.
However, no evidence has so far established a connection between the two incidents or confirmed the involvement of a wildlife trafficking network.
The latest rescue comes a day after a juvenile Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) was found in Raidang village under the Doomdooma Forest Division. The turtle was spotted near a residence while attempting to cross a road and was subsequently rescued with the assistance of Forest Department personnel.
Recent wildlife trafficking cases raise concerns
The consecutive turtle rescues have drawn attention against the backdrop of documented wildlife trafficking cases in Assam.
In January 2025, three suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Tinsukia, with authorities recovering a leopard skin, a sambar deer antler and pangolin scales.
In September 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered 12 live Tokay geckos in Assam and subsequently seized another 86 in a separate operation in Mariani. Another operation in Karbi Anglong led to the recovery of pangolin scales and suspected tiger remains, according to the Union Finance Ministry.
Although these cases do not establish any link to the recent turtle rescues, they highlight the need for continued vigilance against the illegal wildlife trade.
Moran has called for a thorough investigation into the latest incidents. Authorities could examine the rescue sites, nearby habitats and potential movement routes, along with any evidence of collection or transportation, to determine whether the recoveries were isolated incidents or linked to illegal wildlife activity.