Odisha Forest Dept Seizes 631 Turtles, Arrests 7 in Major Smuggling Bust

• Odisha forest department seized 631 Indian flap shell turtles near the state's border with Andhra Pradesh in Malkangiri district.
• The seizure occurred during a special operation by Motu range personnel acting on a tip-off.
• Seven individuals were arrested, including two from Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, and five from Odisha, involved in illegal wildlife trade.
• A van, six mobile phones, and two motorcycles were also seized from the accused.
• This follows a similar incident on March 2 where 210 turtles were seized being smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Malkangiri.