Forest Officials Seize Quintals of Protected Mud Crabs Near Kolkata

Around two quintals of live mud crabs, a protected species, were seized by forest personnel from a Kolkata-bound bus in Silipur. Three individuals were arrested and charged under the Wildlife Protection Act. The crabs were released into Krushnapriyapur creek following the arrest.

On Thursday, forest personnel seized approximately two quintals of live mud crabs, a protected species, from a Kolkata-bound bus at the Silipur traffic junction on National Highway 53 in Kendrapara district, officials reported.

Three individuals were arrested and charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and subsequently remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. According to Nalinikanta Behera, Forest Range Officer of Mahakalapada, the crabs were released into Krushnapriyapur creek.

Behera also noted that while forest dwellers are permitted to catch crabs for personal consumption, selling or transporting the species is prohibited. The crabs and fish serve as crucial food sources for over 1,800 saltwater crocodiles in the national park, thus it is illegal to catch crabs in park and sanctuary areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)