BELAGAVI: The District Forest Police mobile squad busted an illegal trade in owls by raiding a house in Vannur village of Bailhongal taluk on Monday evening. The officials and rescued three juvenile Indian Eagle-Owls from a cage on the premises.
The house belonged to one Chandrappa Mallappa Mirji, who managed to abscond during the raid.
According to police sources, Mirji was allegedly involved in illegal trade in endangered species of owls for a couple of years. These owls, which are said to be used for black magic practices, helped him earn good money.
He used to go to jungles and trap owl chicks and take care of them. Later, he would sell them at a high price.
Sources said Mirji had a good number of customers, especially from Goa. Even though police raided the house in mufti, Mirji escaped as they could not identify him.
Police sub-inspector K S Kocheri, who led the team, said a search operation is on to nab Mirji.
This will help them crack illegal trade in wildlife.The recovered owls will be handed over to Assistant Conservator of Forests of Belagavi on Tuesday.