Maharashtra: Rare Animals Like Orangutan Found in Dombivli Flat
The Dombivli Forest Department raided a flat and seized 16 exotic endangered animals being illegally traded, with the suspect fleeing before authorities arrived.
On 12th November 2024, the Dombivli Forest Department conducted a raid in Palava township, Dombivli East, and seized 16 exotic endangered animals from a flat. The animals, which included rare snakes, monkeys, turtles, and lizards, are believed to be sold for high prices in the international market.
The seized animals included:
- 6 ball pythons (native to Africa)
- 1 golden child reticulated python (one of the largest pythons in the world)
- 1 iguana lizard
- 6 three-striped mud turtles
- 1 endangered Indian star turtle
- 1 adult and 3 baby orangutans (endangered and typically found in Indonesia, Borneo, and Sumatra)
These animals are often traded at prices of ?10 lakh or more. Trading, keeping, or harming such endangered species is a punishable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India.
The Forest Department received an anonymous tip from a five-star hotel in Mumbai, which led them to a man named Faizan Khan and his wife. The tip-off claimed that the couple was selling these exotic animals from their flat on the 8th floor of the Savarna building in Dombivli. The animals were reportedly sold across India and even abroad.
When the forest officials, along with the State Reserve Police Force and local police, raided the flat, the couple had already escaped. However, they discovered that Khan had kept the house air-conditioned, even installing an AC in the bathroom to accommodate the caged monkeys and colourful turtles.
The raid was recorded on video to gather evidence, and the footage quickly went viral on social media. After the raid, the Forest Department rescued all the animals and transferred them to a local NGO called Birsa Munda in Kalyan for care and supervision.
The authorities are also conducting medical tests on the animals to ensure they were not drugged, mistreated, or suffering from any injuries due to improper handling.
During the investigation, the police found out that Khan had rented the flat and lived there with his wife and 12-year-old son. When he learned that the Forest Department was about to raid the house, Khan sent his son to a relative’s home, locked the door, and fled with his wife.
The Forest Department has filed a case against Khan, and the police are actively searching for him. Once all the animals are medically cleared, the authorities will start the process of returning them to their natural habitats, including sending the orangutans back to Indonesia.
This case highlights the illegal wildlife trade and the importance of protecting endangered species in India. The Forest Department has urged people to be more aware and report such illegal activities to help preserve wildlife for future generations.
