Wildlife Smuggling Suspected After 13 Peacocks Go Missing in South 24 Parganas

A police investigation has been launched in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district after 13 peacocks and several other birds and animals disappeared from a popular picnic garden, raising concerns over a possible wildlife smuggling racket involving protected species.

The missing animals were kept at Aranyak Banabhojan Udyan in Baruipur, located along the banks of the Adi Ganga, around 31 km from Kolkata. Apart from peacocks, the garden reportedly housed turtles, parakeets and other exotic birds, but visitors and complainants found the enclosures empty.

A local BJP leader filed a written complaint with the Baruipur police station after discovering that no peacocks remained at the facility. The complaint alleged that several birds and turtles may have been removed and potentially sold through illegal channels.

Following the complaint, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Atish Biswas began an investigation and detained three individuals linked to the garden for questioning. Authorities are examining whether the disappearance was part of an organised wildlife trafficking operation.

During questioning, one of the detained persons reportedly claimed that a peacock had died and was buried on the premises. However, investigators are looking into why the forest department was not informed about the death of a protected national bird and whether mandatory procedures under the Wildlife Protection Act were violated.

The case has highlighted concerns over the protection of captive wildlife facilities and the need for stricter monitoring of establishments housing protected species. Law enforcement agencies are examining records, questioning those responsible for the animals’ upkeep and verifying allegations of illegal removal.

Police officials said all aspects of the complaint were being investigated and further legal action would be taken based on evidence gathered during the probe. The incident has renewed calls for stronger enforcement against wildlife trafficking networks and improved safeguards for protected animals.