Samples of Butterflies to Be Sent to Dehradun Lab for Investigation
The Wildlife Department has uncovered that 85 species of butterflies and other wildlife confiscated during a raid were being traded online.
This revelation came to light during the departmental investigation. The team investigating the case is working on tracing the network involved in this illegal activity.
The confiscated dead butterflies will be sent to a laboratory in Dehradun on Tuesday for species identification. Based on the lab report, action will be taken against the accused.
If the lab findings categorize the species under Schedule-I, a case will be registered against the accused at Palam Vihar police station.
However, if the species do not fall under Schedule-I, the department will impose a fine on the accused, and their shop will also be shut down.
It is worth noting that on the evening of January 8, the Wildlife Department team, acting on a tip-off, conducted a raid on a decorative items shop near Sector 23. During the raid, dead wildlife specimens were recovered.
Officials revealed that the accused shopkeeper sold these items as showpieces for prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Decorative items made from dead butterflies, scorpions, and other wildlife were confiscated from the shop.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that the shopkeeper learned this trade in the United States and was selling these items exclusively through online platforms.
Officials Speak
“Samples of the wildlife being sold as showpieces are being sent to the lab. Once the report is received, action will be taken against the accused. Additionally, their online business will be thoroughly investigated.” – Raj Kumar Jangra, Divisional Wildlife Officer, Gurugram
