Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Forest officials in Assam intercepted a public bus near Bokakhat to seize 300 rare Channa barca fish. The operation followed a tip from Bokakhat Police. Rangers from the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division conducted the search. They found the live fish packed without any valid permits or paperwork.
Five suspects now sit in custody. They face questioning about the source of the catch and their intended drop-off point. "Five people allegedly found in possession of the fish were apprehended and are being questioned," officials stated.
The species, also called the Barca snakehead, comes from the Brahmaputra basin. Traders prize the fish for the international ornamental market. High prices drive the illicit demand. While the IUCN Red List classifies the fish as Data Deficient, the state treats the catch as a serious breach of law.
The Bokakhat Range registered an official offence report. Authorities have the rescued fish in safe custody for now. A vet must clear them before release. Officials plan to return the survivors to their natural habitat once they secure court approval. Investigators are working to track down any other suspects linked to this smuggling ring.
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