Guwahatia; In a significant triumph against the clandestine wildlife trade, authorities in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Saturday intercepted a daring smuggling attempt, liberating four endangered Golden Langurs from the clutches of traffickers in the Beldanga area. This remarkable rescue sheds light on the sinister network preying on India’s precious biodiversity.
Acting on precise intelligence, a special police unit meticulously tracked and intercepted two suspicious vehicles near the Bhabta railway gate, falling under the Berhampore sub-division. The vehicles, bearing the registration numbers WB-02Z-8382 and WB-52BE-1786, were found to be covertly transporting the rare primates, in flagrant violation of stringent wildlife protection laws.
The swift operation led to the apprehension of six individuals believed to be integral to the trafficking ring. Those taken into custody have been identified as Mithu Das (33), Titu Das (29), Samil Hossain Biswas (39), Rafikul Mondal (29), Hasibul Mondal (25), and Biswajit Bag (23). Their arrests are expected to unravel further layers of this illicit trade.
Confirming the identity of the rescued animals, wildlife officials stated that they are indeed Golden Langurs (Trachypithecus geei), a species accorded endangered status under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. These captivating primates, native primarily to the lush landscapes of western Assam and certain regions of Bhutan, face critical threats from dwindling habitats and persistent illegal trafficking.
A comprehensive investigation has been initiated by the police to dismantle the entire trafficking network. Efforts are underway to ascertain the exact origin of these langurs, aiming to trace them back to their natural habitat. Concurrently, wildlife experts have been engaged to thoroughly assess the health and well-being of the rescued animals, with a view to ensuring their safe and successful rehabilitation into a suitable environment.
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