Agartala, Nov 19 (TIWN): Acting on a tip off, a team of Sadar range of Forest Department today recovered a smuggled turtle from Battala bazaar. According to a range officer, the weight of the turtle is more than 25 kg. The species of the turtle was identified as- Indian soft-shell sweet water turtle, local market value of the turtle will carry Rs. 35, 000, said range officer of Sadar– Ashesh Kumar Debbarma.

A range officer informed that acting on tip-off; a team of Melaghar forest division followed the smugglers from Kalapania market of Melaghar. After a long chase, they failed to recover the turtle. Thereafter the team informed to Battala Out Post and Sadar range. By that time, the smugglers left the turtle on the road adjacent to Battala market and escaped from the place.

However, a team of Sadar range assisted by police of Battala Out Post recovered the turtle and sent it to Sipahijala wildlife sanctuary. Police could not arrest anybody in this connection.

The turtle is suspected to be brought from Bangladesh for smuggling due to non-availability of turtle production in Tripura, said a range officer. According to the police, the turtle was brought from Mohanbhog market of Melaghar after it was being smuggled from Bangladesh.