The smugglers’ network is continuously expanding in Assam. The Dibrugarh police of the state has seized 11 rare species of Tokay Gecko lizards. The smugglers were trying to sell these lizards but the police laid a trap in time and arrested the smugglers along with the lizards. A case has been registered against them under various sections including smuggling.
The arrested were identified as Debashis Dohutia (34), Manash Dohutia (28), and Dipankar Gharphalia (40).
Further search led to the recovery of mobile phones and identity documents from the accused, which were also taken into custody.
“On-spot interrogation revealed that they collected and brought the seized Tokay Gecko lizards from Arunachal Pradesh and finalised a deal to sell each of the Tokay Gecko for Rs 1 lakh,” the CPRO of Assam Police added.
In total, the STF seized the 11 Tokay Geckos, a white car (AS-23W-5506), a motorcycle (AS-06AF-0276), three mobile phones, and documents including PAN, Aadhaar, driving licence, and voter ID.
The export of these rare species of lizards is strictly prohibited. The police had received secret information in the smuggling case after which they have been arrested. Action will be taken against the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Under this, there is a provision of 7 years rigorous punishment for the accused.
The Tokay Gecko lizards recovered from the smugglers of Assam are very valuable in themselves. The price of one rare species of lizard is Rs 60 lakh while a total of 11 lizards have been recovered from the accused. Their total value in the international market is in crores.
Tokay Gecko lizards are a very rare species of animals. These rare species of lizards are found only in the forests of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India. These lizards are in great demand in the grey market of South East Asia. Inquiries are being made about how long the accused have been smuggling these lizards. Inquiries are also being made about how far the smuggling network has spread.
