Rare Endangered Bird Sellers Nabbed in the Heart of Siliguri

By Shekhar Patra (TNI Siliguri)  |  TNI Editing Siliguri

Webdesk, TNI Siliguri, 3^rd April, 2017: Today in a major seizure in the heart of the city of Siliguri, the Department of Forest under the leadership of Jalpaiguri Belakoba Range Officer Mr. Sanjay Dutta, newly joined (today) DFO Smt. Uma Rani and Outgoing DFO Mr. P. R. Pradhan seized many at least 75 Munia birds of rare endangered species.

The seizure was from a well-known pet shop located at Hill Cart Road of Pradhan Nagar. The owner of the shop was also arrested red handed selling the rare species of Munia birds included species like Scaly Breast Munia, Chestnut, Scaly Breasted Munia, Green Munia and Black Faced Munia from the shop. According to Mr. Sanjay Dutta, there was a secret tip off about the shop from the beginning. In accordance to the tip off the officers went to the shop in the guise of buyers of Munia birds.

An advance was also paid for the same. Later when the delivery was about to be done the shopkeeper was caught red handed. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Sanjay Dutta told TNI “The Munia birds of Sparrow categories are caught in the districts of Birbhum, and Bardhamman districts by the illegal bird catchers and are sold in the village haats there. Later they were bought and sent by carriers packed in unhygienic cartons, baskets through the general compartments of Teesta Torsa Express, Uttar Banga Express and are spread throughout the North Bengal retail markets. Even there are specific shops selling the birds located at Hakimpara, Siliguri Court More, Pradhan Nagar etc.”

It is interesting to find that being in a city of Siliguri such kind of rare endangered birds are sold openly in full glare without any resistance. However, there are various Forest offices located in Siliguri fully functional.

Photos: Department of Forest