Mumbai, February 6: Authorities in Mumbai have uncovered the illegal possession of a crocodile and a turtle in a residential home located in the Juhu area. According to the Mumbai Police, a joint operation involving the Forest Department, Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-9, and an NGO successfully rescued both wild animals. A case has been registered against 29-year-old Imran Ismail Sheikh under the wildlife protection act.
The police and Forest Department received a tip-off about a crocodile being kept in a house in Juhu. Following this, a senior forest officer directed forest guard Roshan Binde from the Andheri range office to contact the Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-9. Subsequently, a coordinated raid was planned by the police, the Forest Department, and the NGO ‘Sarp India’.
The joint team arrived at Ruiya Park, Moragaon Shankar Chal, on JR Mhatre Road in Juhu. Based on solid information, they executed the raid with two independent witnesses present. Upon entering the house, they found a woman and a young man, identified as Shahida Sheikh and her brother Imran Sheikh. During the search, a live Indian crocodile and an Indian spotted turtle were discovered in a glass tank in a small room. Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, making their private possession illegal and a serious offense.
The rescue team carefully extracted both animals into special cages, ensuring safety throughout the operation, which was also recorded. During questioning, Shahida Sheikh stated that her brother Imran Ismail Sheikh had brought the animals home, while Imran was evasive about providing clear information regarding the animals. Following this, the police registered a case against Imran Ismail Sheikh under Sections 9, 39, 48, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The investigation is ongoing.
The rescued crocodile and turtle have been handed over to the Forest Department, where they will receive proper care and rehabilitation.