BSF seizes 15 rare turtles on border

SHILLONG: The BSF troops on Monday seized 15 numbers of rare sea turtles, meant to be smuggled to Bangladesh from Meghalaya.
A BSF statement said that the troops deployed at Dumnikora, South Garo Hills, saw suspicious movement of two persons on a bike carrying a bag proceeding from Baghmara to Gasuapara on NH 62 on Monday at around 8:10 AM.
When BSF personnel on duty tried to stop them, they did not halt and instead fled away after dropping the bag.
On searching, 15 Olive Ridley turtles were recovered from the bag.
“These turtles were meant to be smuggled out to Bangladesh from India. This is a significant achievement since these rare turtles having scientific name Lepidochelys olivacea are protected under Schedule – I and IV of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” the BSF said in a statement.
The rare species of turtles have great value in the international market owing to their medicinal values, the statement added.