Two persons allegedly carrying and transporting 12 Tokay Geckos were apprehended in Assam’s Sonitpur district on September 5. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Crime Investigation Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division jointly conducted the operation.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the team intercepted the suspects near Jia Bharali Bridge from around 4 PM onwards. Officials also recovered 12 Tokay Geckos, locally known as “Keko Hap.” Following the seizure, authorities began legal action under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
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Key Facts
- Location: Near Jia Bharali Bridge, Sonitpur, Assam
- Date: September 5
- Wildlife recovered: 12 Tokay Geckos
- Persons apprehended: Santush Basfore and Ranjit Sahani
- Agencies involved: DRI and Biswanath Wildlife Division
- Legal action: Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended
Joint Operation Near Jia Bharali Bridge
The DRI and the Crime Investigation Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division launched the operation after receiving reliable information about the alleged illegal possession and transportation of Tokay Geckos.
Accordingly, the joint team reached the area near Jia Bharali Bridge in Sonitpur district. From around 4 PM onwards, officials conducted the operation and intercepted the two suspects.
12 Tokay Geckos Recovered
During the operation, officials recovered 12 Tokay Geckos from the suspects. Locally, people also call these reptiles “Keko Hap.”
The authorities suspect that the individuals were illegally possessing and transporting the protected wildlife. However, further investigation will establish the exact circumstances of the case.
Two Persons Apprehended
Officials identified the two apprehended persons as Santush Basfore, 37, from Rangapara, and Ranjit Sahani, 39, from Dolongbasti under Chariduar police station.
After the seizure, officials took both men and the recovered animals to the Office of the Range Forest Officer, Crime Investigation Range, Biswanath Chariali.
Legal Action Under Wildlife Protection Law
Meanwhile, authorities have started the necessary legal process under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
The investigation will focus on the source of the Tokay Geckos, their intended destination and the circumstances behind their alleged illegal transportation.
Wildlife officials continue to monitor such activities across Assam to prevent the illegal trade and transportation of protected species.
Q&A
What happened in Sonitpur, Assam?
Authorities apprehended two persons and recovered 12 Tokay Geckos during a joint operation.
Where did the operation take place?
The team conducted the operation near Jia Bharali Bridge in Sonitpur district.
When did the operation take place?
Officials conducted the operation on September 5 from around 4 PM onwards.
Who conducted the operation?
The DRI and the Crime Investigation Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division jointly conducted the operation.
How many Tokay Geckos did officials recover?
Officials recovered 12 Tokay Geckos.
What law applies to the case?
Authorities have initiated action under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
Location Context
Sonitpur forms part of Assam’s ecologically important landscape in Northeast India. The region supports diverse wildlife, making strong enforcement against illegal wildlife trade particularly important.
