86 rare gecko lizards rescued along Assam-Nagaland border, 2 held

As many as 86 gecko lizards allegedly being smuggled across the Assam-Nagaland border were rescued and two suspected smugglers were arrested in Assam’s Jorhat district.

The operation was carried out by a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team at Bandarchalia, under the jurisdiction of the Mariani Forest Range Office.

The two suspected smugglers were identified as Raju Kaitha, a resident of Namrupia Jungle Block, and Anatu Watsa, from Akahetu village in Nagaland.

According to officials, the duo was intercepted while allegedly attempting to transport the snakes for illegal trade.

The DRI team later handed over the two accused along with the rescued snakes to the Mariani Forest Range Office.

Forest officials have launched a further investigation to establish the source of the snakes and determine the intended destination of the alleged consignment.

The operation comes amid continued efforts by enforcement agencies to curb the illegal trafficking of wildlife along the Assam-Nagaland border.