In the bustling city of Lucknow, a tale of smuggling unfolds as the police nab a young man using Instagram as a conduit for illicit snake trading. According to the authorities, a mysterious 'Baba' was the supplier, delivering the exotic and endangered reptiles to the youth, who ambitiously extended the trade beyond domestic borders via the popular social media platform. While the young man is now in police custody, the enigmatic Baba remains elusive, prompting an extensive search by the police.
Mohammad Hasan, the young man apprehended by the Lucknow police, resides in Barfkhana, within the Thakurganj precinct. Delving into the underworld of wildlife trafficking for a considerable time, Hasan specialized in snakes that fall into the banned category. The authorities seized an inventory from him that included 2 Red Sand Boas, 4 Common Sand Boas, and 2 Rat Snakes.
Source: aajtak
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The Arrest Strategy
The operation unfurled when Instagram hinted at the illegal maneuver of banned snake smuggling. In response, the police teamed up with the forestry department, transitioning from awareness to action. Faced with this digital dilemma, the undercover officers engaged Hasan via Instagram, feigning interest to purchase snakes, ultimately orchestrating a meet-up to capture him. Their ingenuity led to the confiscation of valuable wildlife: two Rat Snakes in their initial meet-up and additional snakes discovered at his hideout.
ADCP West Rajesh Kumar Srivastava elaborated that the accused's mobile has been confiscated, with call details being pulled for further investigation. During interrogation, it was revealed that the elusive Baba would summon Hasan to Budheshwar Square for these dealings. Although Baba remains free-spirited, the pursuit continues. Consequently, an official case under wildlife protection laws has been filed.
Source: aajtak
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