Police rescue 446 tortoises from hidden godown in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Police busted an interstate tortoise smuggling racket in Rachakonda on Tuesday and rescued 286 star tortoises, 160 red-eared slider tortoises, and other materials, all worth Rs 64 lakh.

The police arrested two accused, Siraj Ahmed (39) and Shaik Jani (50), whereas another accused, Vijay Kumar, is currently absconding.

The police said Shaik is a resident of Hyderabad who runs an aquarium business and sells various fish and bird species.