Lucknow: In a significant enforcement operation, the Special Task Force (STF), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, arrested an inter-state wildlife trafficker, Shivam, along with 803 protected birds of various species. The arrest was made on March 28, 2026, at Shanti Nagar, Kajiara, under Khairabad Police Station, Sitapur district.
The accused, Shivam, son of late Pappu, resident of Kanshiram Colony, Khairabad, Sitapur, was found transporting the birds in 8 cages and 7 sacks. Investigation revealed that he was en route from Sitapur to Delhi for illegal sale of the birds.
The STF, under the supervision of Avnishwar Chandra Srivastava, Additional Superintendent of Police, Lucknow, had received actionable intelligence regarding active wildlife trafficking networks. A joint STF team, led by Sub-Inspector Fayazuddin Siddiqui, along with key personnel including Rameshankar Chaudhary, Shailendra Upadhyay, Sunil Mishra, and Srikrishna Giri, conducted surveillance in Sitapur district. Based on informant guidance, Shivam was intercepted and arrested, with all 803 birds recovered.
During interrogation, the accused admitted to operating a generational wildlife trade network. Due to declining profits, the group had shifted to trafficking protected and prohibited birds, sourcing them from forests in Lakhimpur Kheri, Rampur, and Pilibhit, and selling them in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal at high prices. Authorities indicated that investigations into other network members are ongoing.
A case has been registered against Shivam at Khairabad Police Station under Sections 9, 39, 48, 50, 51, 57 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Crime No. 83/26. Further legal proceedings are underway.
