In a significant bust, Delhi Police’s Crime Branch apprehended four individuals for their involvement in the illegal trade and possession of two rare rhinoceros horns valued at ₹3 crore in the international market. The operation, which took place on January 9, led to the recovery of the horns and the arrest of Deepak Sharma (57), a resident of Lajpat Nagar, along with Suresh Kumar (57), Sant Ram (57), and Anil Kumar Sethi (60), all residents of Uttam Nagar.
The horns, which were determined to be from the white rhinoceros, a species native to Africa and considered critically endangered, were found during a raid in Lajpat Nagar after police received a tip-off about the illegal wildlife trade. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sanjay Kumar Sain, the operation involved deploying constable Naveen as a decoy customer who, after negotiations, struck a deal with the accused to sell the horns for ₹1 crore. The four individuals were apprehended at a flat in Lajpat Nagar, and the horns were seized.
Wildlife experts confirmed that the horns were indeed from the highly endangered white rhinoceros. During interrogation, Sharma revealed that the horns had been kept in his family for nearly 90 years as antiques. However, due to financial difficulties, worsened by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sharma sought to sell the horns.
Sharma reached out to Suresh Kumar, a Mahant from Uttam Nagar, who then connected with Sant Ram, a government employee, and Anil Kumar Sethi, a private worker, to finalize the illegal sale.
The authorities found that the individuals were motivated by financial distress, with each facing significant debt or obligations. While Suresh Kumar required funds for construction work at an ashram, Sant Ram and Anil Kumar were also in financial trouble and saw the sale of the horns as a way to resolve their issues.
A case under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act has been registered, including charges related to the illegal possession and trade of wildlife products. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have vowed to pursue further leads to identify and apprehend any other individuals involved in this international wildlife trafficking network.
This seizure highlights the growing concern over illegal wildlife trafficking, which threatens the survival of endangered species and fuels the demand for their body parts in the international market.
Sources By Agencies
