16 Indian Softshell Turtles rescued in Greater Noida smuggling bust

Exam-focused facts from the 7 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida.
Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The accused, Gagan (22) from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on the spot.
The turtles were being smuggled to Delhi markets for onward sale to international buyers.
Each turtle fetches between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh on the black market.
A net used to trap the turtles was recovered from the accused.
The forest department was alerted and the turtles were rescued.
Demand for these turtles is high in Nepal and China.