Huge number of poisonous snake, skin of dead reptiles recovered from a herpetologist

Some of the seized species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

As per the source of Wildlife Crime Control Branch, Dr. Purkayastha, who was conducting research on snakes, kept a large number of reptiles of different species in his residence.

The team recovered Burmese pythons, King Cobra, Lizards, rare species of crab snakes, and other venomous snakes and other reptile species of wild animals.

On being asked about the possession, Dr. Purkaystha claimed that the skins and bones of dead reptiles had been stored for his research purpose. However, the researcher failed to show the team any valid documents of his research.

Both the Forest department and WCCB have registered a case and will continue the further investigation.

According to Wildlife Crime Control Branch officials, there could be a large racket of animal body part smuggling.

The official further said that the matter came to light when a person carrying reptile specimens was apprehended at the LGBI Airport on Saturday and during his interrogation, he confessed that he was carrying the samples from Dr Purkayastha.

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