The illegal trafficking of wild parrots, rare bird species and protected wildlife by religious extremists across various Indian states has emerged as a severe threat to the nation’s ecological balance and biodiversity. Driven by a combination of clandestine international demand and local black markets, these smuggling networks operate with high levels of organization, often exploiting porous borders and remote forest corridors. Such illicit activities not only violate the Wildlife Protection Act(WPA, 1972) but also fund radicalised ecosystems that operate outside the law. This surge in wildlife crime highlights an urgent need for synchronised intelligence between forest departments and central agencies to dismantle these syndicates and protect Bharat’s endangered avian and animal heritage from organised exploitation.
This report is based on 12 major incidents occurring between 2000 and 2026 involving the illegal trafficking of wild parrots, rare birds, and protected wildlife by religious extremists across various states in Bharat.
Massive wildlife seizure at Varanasi station: 400 wild parrots rescued
In a major anti-smuggling operation on January 6, 2026, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) intercepted a large-scale wildlife trafficking attempt at the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. Authorities searched the Punjab Mail Express and recovered approximately 400 wild parrots held in captivity. The smuggler, identified as Mohammad Zahid, had packed the birds into sacks and cramped cages under extremely inhumane and suffocating conditions. Zahid was immediately taken into custody and the rescued birds were handed over to the forest department for rehabilitation. This crackdown highlights the persistent use of the railway network by organized syndicates to transport protected avian species across state lines.
UP STF busts inter-state parrot smuggling syndicate in Bareilly
A joint operation between the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Special Task Force (STF) led to the exposure of an inter-state wildlife trafficking ring in Bareilly on November 28, 2025. Acting on specific intelligence, the joint team intercepted a suspicious vehicle and discovered over 300 wild parrots hidden within. Two key traffickers, Arsalan Khan and Shakib, were arrested at the scene. Investigations revealed that the duo was part of a larger network involved in the illegal capture and sale of protected forest birds, catering to the black market demand for exotic pets.
Recovery of national birds and restricted species in Varanasi
On November 8, 2025, the STF and Forest Department executed a high-stakes raid near the Rakhauna intersection in Varanasi, resulting in the recovery of 12 Peacocks—India’s national bird—alongside 245 restricted wild parrots. The traffickers, identified as Mohammad Waseem (alias Arman) and Mohammad Ayub, were apprehended while transporting the birds in a specialized vehicle. The suspects confessed that the consignment originated from Kaushambi and Prayagraj and was destined for illegal wildlife markets in West Bengal. This incident underscored the alarming trend of targeting endangered and national symbols for commercial exploitation.
Illegal sale of ‘Tiranga Munia’ birds exposed in Noida
Police and forest officials conducted a targeted raid on a commercial establishment named ‘Ocean Aquarium & Birds’ in Sector-93, Noida, on October 27, 2025. The operation led to the recovery of 10 highly restricted ‘Tiranga Munia’ birds, which are protected under wildlife conservation laws. The shop owner, Asim Beg, and his employee, Mohammad Nisar, were arrested for the illegal possession and sale of these protected species. The raid served as a stern warning to urban pet shops that facilitate the trade of banned wildlife under the guise of legal business operations.
Inter-State women smugglers arrested with rare avian species in Unnav
In a significant blow to an organised wildlife crime syndicate, the UP STF and Forest Department raided a location in the Talib Sarai neighbourhood of Unnav on September 1, 2025. Two women members of the gang, identified as Rafia and Gurnaz Bano, were arrested with a diverse cache of over 200 rare and protected birds. The seizure included 85 deceased Partridges and 5 live ones, along with various rare species such as Plum-headed Parrots, Ring-necked Parrots, Alexandrine Parakeets, Red Munias, Tri-color Munias, Silverbills and Lesser Whistling Teals. The presence of dead birds in the consignment highlighted the brutal and lethal nature of the illegal wildlife trade.
Major wildlife trafficking syndicate busted at Mumbai’s crawford market
In a decisive multi-agency operation on August 9, 2025, a joint team comprising the Thane Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) dismantled a large-scale wildlife smuggling ring operating out of Mumbai. Raids were conducted at Crawford Market and a warehouse in Masjid Bunder, leading to the rescue of 226 protected birds and reptiles. The primary suspect, Mukhtar Munawwar Sheikh, was apprehended during the crackdown. The seizure included highly sought-after species such as Alexandrine parakeets and rare Indian Eye turtles, which were being illegally stockpiled for the underground pet trade.
International smuggling network exposed at Ahmedabad Airport
The Customs Department and Gujarat CID (Crime) intercepted a sophisticated international wildlife trafficking attempt on July 31, 2025, involving key suspects Bismillah Khan Baloch, Aamir Vohra and Rizwan Hussain Sheikh. The operation, which extended from Ahmedabad Airport to Kheda, resulted in the recovery of exotic and endangered species smuggled across borders. Among the rescued animals were six Australian Double-Fig parrots, a rare Red-billed Leiothrix and two Eastern Gray Gecko lizards. The arrests have shed light on the complex logistics used by these traffickers to move rare fauna through major transit hubs.
Rajasthan roadways bus intercepted with 200 restricted parrots
On November 29, 2024, Ghaziabad police successfully foiled a smuggling attempt involving 200 restricted wild parrots being transported in a Rajasthan Roadways bus. Acting on a tip-off in the Wave City police station area, officials searched the vehicle and found the birds being moved from Moradabad to Jaipur for illegal sale. The suspects, Shakil Khan and Taufiq Khan, along with the bus driver, were booked under relevant wildlife protection laws. This case highlights how traffickers frequently exploit public transport systems to move large volumes of contraband wildlife while evading traditional checkpoints.
Tanda range forest team rescues wild parrots destined for Delhi
Forest officials in Uttarakhand dealt a significant blow to the regional poaching network on October 13, 2024, when the Tanda Range team of the Terai Central Forest Division conducted a raid in Rudrapur’s Kheda area. The operation led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the syndicate, Naeem Raza and his associate, Firasat Raza. Authorities recovered 47 live wild parrots that were being prepared for illegal shipment to Delhi. This interception disrupted a key supply route used by traffickers to fulfill the high demand for wild-caught birds in the national capital’s black markets.
Large-scale avian seizure from luxury car in Prayagraj
A joint operation by the Special Task Force (STF) and the Forest Department in Prayagraj’s Keedganj area on September 8, 2023, resulted in the rescue of over 500 wild parrots. The birds were found crammed into an Ertiga car in appalling conditions, hidden inside small cages and plastic bags. The three traffickers arrested at the scene—Inzamam, Mohammad Waseem (alias Arman), and Mohammad Asif—admitted to the cruel transportation methods used to maximize profit. The extreme confinement and lack of ventilation in the vehicle underscored the high mortality rates associated with such illegal wildlife shipments.
Infamous smuggler arrested for illegal trade of Bihar’s state bird
In a significant enforcement action on January 9, 2001, the Forest Department in Motihari, Bihar, arrested a notorious wildlife criminal known as Muslim Mian. During a special operation, authorities caught the suspect with the meat of 120 Bageri birds and the House Sparrow, which holds the status of Bihar’s state bird. Alongside the wildlife remains, officials seized a motorcycle and 10,500 rupees in cash. This arrest targeted a long-standing perpetrator known for his involvement in the illegal poaching and culinary trade of protected avian species in the region.
Six-member gang apprehended in Gorakhpur with 500 wild parrots
On January 9, 2000, a major coordinated effort between the STF and the Forest Department in the Nausad area of Gorakhpur led to the liberation of 500 wild parrots. Six members of an organized trafficking gang – identified as Abdul Saeed, Dilshad Ahmed, Anees Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed, Salma and Amjad – were surrounded and taken into custody. The scale of the recovery and the number of individuals involved pointed toward a highly structured family-run or community-based enterprise dedicated to the mass capture and illegal distribution of forest wildlife across North India.
The documented rise in wildlife seizures underscores the professionalisation of smuggling rings and the high stakes involved in the illegal animal trade. From the crowded markets of Mumbai to the transit hubs of Uttar Pradesh, the consistent apprehension of repeat offenders suggests that current penalties may not yet be a sufficient deterrent against the high profits of poaching. Protecting India’s endangered species requires more than just reactive arrests; it demands a synchronized national strategy involving local intelligence, high-tech surveillance, and stringent judicial action. As the nation moves forward, the preservation of its natural heritage will depend on the continued success of joint operations in breaking the supply chains that treat Bharat’s wildlife as a mere commodity.
