311 Live Turtles Rescued from Netaji Express in Sasaram; Smuggling Bid Foiled

• RPF at Sasaram Railway Station rescued 311 live turtles from train number 12312 Down Netaji Express.
• The rescue operation, named 'Operation Vilep', foiled a major wildlife smuggling attempt.
• Suspicious unclaimed bags in a general coach led to the discovery of the turtles on January 17, 2026.
• RPF team, led by Inspector-in-Charge Sanjeev Kumar, found four sacks filled with live turtles.
• The recovered turtles, valued at approximately 3.11 lakh rupees, were handed over to the Forest Department for conservation and legal action.

Why It Matters: RPF successfully intercepted a wildlife smuggling operation, rescuing 311 live turtles from a train in Sasaram.