Silchar: Assam Police, in collaboration with the Forest Department, rescued 52 exotic birds and animals on Friday in Hailakandi district near the Mizoram border.
The rescued birds and animals included Black Lories, Red & Blue Lories, Babirusa Swines, and Hornbills, which are suspected to be of Indonesian origin.
Acting on a tip-off, authorities launched a successful operation in the Bilaipur area on Friday morning. “We were able to rescue the creatures based on specific information,” said Shamirdapar Baruah, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Hailakandi. Two smugglers were also apprehended during the operation.
“The arrested individuals revealed they received the consignment in Mizoram and planned to transport the exotic creatures to West Bengal for sale,” Baruah said.
Moinuddin Ali and Samsul Haque, both residents of Assam’s Hojai area, have been identified as the arrested smugglers.
“Based on initial investigations, these exotic creatures were likely transported through Myanmar before entering India through Mizoram,” said Akhil Dutta, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Hailakandi.
Dutta further stated that authorities suspect the consignment originated in Indonesia due to the birds’ native habitat.
The rescued animals are currently being kept in a safe location and are planned to be transferred to the Assam Zoo in Guwahati. Further investigations are underway.