Salim SK, Dhubri: In a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday intercepted an attempt to smuggle 202 Common Sand Boas in the Ghewmari area of Assam's Dhubri district. Two suspects from West Bengal, identified as Arif Mal and Talib Mal—brothers from Marakpur village in North 24 Parganas—were arrested during the operation. The seizure took place near the Sealdah Border Outpost, where the duo was caught transporting the protected snakes hidden in sacks. Preliminary investigations reveal that the accused had been residing in a Dhubri lodge for some time and may be part of a larger trafficking network. The rescued species, the Common Sand Boa (Eryx johnii), is listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Though non-venomous, the snake is in high demand in illegal markets due to its supposed mystical powers, often linked to black magic and superstition. BSF officials confirmed that their swift response prevented the smuggling of these reptiles across the Indo-Bangladesh border, dealing a blow to organized wildlife crime in the region. The Forest Department has initiated a detailed investigation to trace the syndicate behind the smuggling and determine the snakes’ intended destination. The two accused remain in custody as the probe continues.
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