WCCB Probes Alleged Illegal Elephant Trade in Northeast

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has initiated an investigation into the illegal trade of elephants from the Northeast, following a complaint about 10 elephants being transported illegally from Arunachal Pradesh to Kerala. The Eastern Region unit has directed Chief Wildlife Wardens in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura to provide reports on captive elephants and transit permits. The investigation will focus on alleged wildlife criminal Omanakuttan Pillai and illegal elephant trade over the past three years. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has reinforced compliance with the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, to prevent illegal transfers disguised as “gifts.”