The Forest Department on Tuesday arrested a woman who had banned turtles as pets in her home near Vanur. They seized the turtles along with corals and conches that had been placed in the tank.
According to sources, Villupuram Forest officials received information that a woman staying in Auroville International Township near Vanur had the rare species of turtles in her home.
Based on Villupuram district Forest Officer Sujatha’s order, Tindivanam range Forest officials raided the house of Rishika (39) in the Saranga community area in Auroville and found that she had 16 star turtles in her possession. They seized the turtles and arrested Rishika. They also seized two corals and four rare conches placed in the tanks where the turtles were kept.
She was taken to Tindiva-nam Forest Range Office. During questioning they found that she had the turtles for the past two years.