Over 200 Protected Birds, Reptiles Rescued in Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust at Mumbai’s Crawford Market
Over 200 Protected Birds, Reptiles Rescued in Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust at Mumbai’s Crawford Market
Thane Forest Department, WCCB, and NGO join forces in one of city’s biggest crackdowns; one arrested
In one of Mumbai’s largest recent actions against the illegal wildlife trade, the Thane Forest Department, in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), rescued 226 protected birds and reptiles from Crawford Market and a godown in Masjid Bunder on Friday.
The operation began after WWA’s legal cell tipped off officials about illegal wildlife being held for sale. A 15-member team, backed by forest patrol units from Thane, Wada, Bhaliwali, and Mumbai, kept surveillance until the suspect, Mukhtar Munnawar Shaikh, 39, from Mumbra Market, opened his shop. Inside, they found 30 caged animals and birds in distress. Interrogation led officers to a godown, where they discovered more species.
The seizures included 10 Alexandrine parakeets, 112 rose-ringed parakeets (11 found dead), 67 Indian star tortoises, 10 Indian tent turtles, 16 Indian roofed turtles, 10 Indian eye turtles — among the rarest in India — and one Indian softshell turtle. All species are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting them the highest level of legal protection.
Officials described the animals’ condition as dire. “The primary flight feathers of the parakeets had been cut to stop them from flying, causing permanent damage. Some had fractured limbs. The turtles were badly infected due to unhygienic conditions,” said Rohit Mohite, honorary wildlife warden, Thane.
Shaikh has been arrested and remanded in forest custody until August 12. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, including provisions on hunting bans, illegal possession, transport, trafficking, and penalties.
All rescued animals are now receiving medical care at WWA’s wildlife rehabilitation centre in Manpada, Thane, and will be released into their natural habitats once recovered. Authorities suspect other shops in Crawford Market may be engaged in similar illegal activities.
“We find such cases because people often don’t realise these species are protected,” said Yogesh Warkad, deputy director, WCCB. “Buyers need to be educated about the legal and conservation implications.”
The Forest Department has urged the public to report any illegal wildlife possession, sale, or hunting to the nearest forest office or through its toll-free helpline 1926.
