Karwar: Forest Department officials intercepted a bus near the Kali River Bridge in Karwar and seized 41 Indian Bullfrogs that were being illegally transported to Goa. Acting on credible information, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Jayesh K.C. and Range Forest Officer (RFO) Vishwanath A.V. discovered the frogs in the bus’s luggage compartment.
The arrested individuals include the bus driver, Siddesh Desai from Kukkali, Goa, and the cleaner, Janu from Lolem. The seized bus, named Shantadurga, was used for transporting the frogs.
The ‘Indian Bull Frog,’ also known as the ‘Jumping Chicken’ in Goa, is a species found in the Western Ghats. Its legs are considered a delicacy and are in high demand at certain hotels. Unfortunately, these frogs were caught and transported illegally.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The accused were produced before the court and granted bail.
