In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, forest officials in Mangaluru busted a network involved in the trade of sand boas (Indian rock pythons) and arrested four individuals, including a minor.
The accused have been identified as Vihal H Shetty (18) from Badaga Ulipady, Ibrahim Shakeel Ismail (35)—a pet shop owner from Ullal Munnur, Mohammad Mustafa (22)—his employee from Ullal Harekal, and a 16-year-old first PUC student from a local college.
The sting operation was led by Mangaluru Range Forest Officer Rajesh Baligar. Acting as potential buyers, forest officials arranged a meeting with Vihal near Ashwath Katte in Kadri, where he agreed to sell the snake for Rs 45,000. Upon revealing the reptile, he was immediately taken into custody.
During questioning, Vihal stated the snake was provided by the minor, who was later apprehended near a mall. Meanwhile, intelligence led officials to a pet shop near the State Bank area, believed to be part of the illegal network. An undercover officer approached the shop, which led to the arrest of the owner and employee. Several star tortoises were also seized.
The accused reportedly misrepresented Indian rock pythons—a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972—as Burmese ball pythons to sell them as exotic pets. A case has been registered, and the investigation—suspected to extend into Tamil Nadu—continues under DCF Anthony Mariappa and ACF J Clifford Lobo.