Two persons were apprehended for illegal possession and transportation of 12 Tokay Geckos (Gekko gecko), locally known as “Keko xap,” official sources informed on Saturday.
The sources said the arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Crime Investigation Range, Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, near Jia Bharali Bridge in Sonitpur district around 4pm.
The operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence inputs received by the DRI and forest teams.
The apprehended persons were identified as Santush Basfore (37), resident of Rangapara, Sonitpur district; and Ranjit Sahani (39) of Dolongbasti in Sonitpur district.
The sources said that the apprehended persons and the seized wild animalswere brought to the Office of the Range Forest Officer, Crime Investigation Range, Biswanath Chariali, for further investigation.
Necessary legal action has been initiated as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended upto date.
