Poachers arrested in Bengaluru for illegal trade of animals; black magic suspected

Bengaluru: Eagles, owls, kestrel, monitor lizards, parrots all in a tiny cage were rescued from the hands of poachers. According to the Karnataka Forest Department and wildlife activists, the illegal trade of wildlife is flourishing in Bengaluru due to political developments and the real estate sector.

Wildlife activists say, the accused Zaid who was caught in Thane with kestrels, black-winged eagles, four tortoises and two green iguanas (lizard), was earlier caught in June with baby crocodiles. Based on the evidence gathered, the Mumbai cops alerted the Karnataka Forest Department. The Deputy Conservator of Forests then arrested Shahid and rescued spotted doves, owlets, parakeet, house sparrows and monitor lizard from his house in Bengaluru.

Activists say the illegal trade of wildlife in Bengaluru is increasing in the last few years due to demand from political leaders and also from real estate developers who possess superstitious beliefs like sacrifice of owls, eagles and other animals.