Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested a suspected smuggler involved in an interstate racket and rescued 803 protected parrots of the Rose-ringed (Parakeet) species from his possession. The arrest was made on Sunday in the Khairabad area of Sitapur district.The accused has been identified as Shivam, a resident of Kashiram Colony in Khairabad. STF teams recovered eight cages and seven bags in which the birds were allegedly being transported in inhumane conditions.Officials said the STF received specific intelligence inputs about an active interstate gang engaged in illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species. Acting on the inputs, teams were deployed for surveillance under the supervision of Additional, SP, STF, Avnishwar Chandra Srivastava.Officials recovered 803 parrots packed inside bags and cages. STF said the birds were kept in extremely cramped and cruel conditions, raising serious concerns about their survival.“During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to being part of a long-running bird trafficking network. He stated that while his family was traditionally engaged in bird trading, declining profits pushed them towards illegal trade in protected species. He revealed that parrots and other protected birds were sourced from forest areas in districts such as Lakhimpur Kheri, Rampur, and Pilibhit and transported for sale across multiple states, including Bihar and West Bengal,” said ASP Srivastava.According to an ornithologist, these parrots are often sold in black markets in West Bengal, where they are used for fortune-telling and black magic practices. Each parrot can fetch approximately Rs 500, making the trade highly profitable for traffickers.An FIR has been registered at Khairabad police station under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The rescued birds have been handed over to forest officials for care and rehabilitation.
