Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 6: In a shocking incident reported from Mumbai’s Juhu area, a crocodile and a turtle were allegedly being kept illegally inside a residential house. Mumbai Police on Friday said both animals were rescued in a joint operation and a case has been registered against a 29-year-old man under the Wildlife Protection Act.

According to police, acting on a tip-off received by the Forest Department about a crocodile being kept inside a house in Juhu, a joint operation was launched involving the Forest Department, Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-9 and NGO ‘Serp India’. The operation was carried out on the instructions of senior forest officials.

The team raided a house located at Ruiya Park, Moragaon Shankar Chawl on J R Mhatre Marg in Juhu, in the presence of two independent witnesses. On entering the premises, officials found a woman and a young man, later identified as Shahida Sheikh and her brother Imran Ismail Sheikh.

During the search, a live Indian crocodile and an Indian spotted turtle were found kept inside a glass tank in a small room of the house. Police said both animals are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, and their private possession is strictly prohibited.

The animals were carefully rescued and placed in secure cages. The entire operation was digitally recorded, police said.

During questioning, Shahida Sheikh reportedly stated that her brother Imran had brought the animals home. However, Imran allegedly did not provide details about how the animals were procured.

A case has been registered against Imran Ismail Sheikh under Sections 9, 39, 48 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act. Further investigation is underway.

Forest officials said the rescued crocodile and turtle have been handed over to the Forest Department for proper care and rehabilitation.