Pune: In a joint operation by the Customs and Forest Departments, two individuals have been arrested for smuggling Alexandrine Parakeets (a protected species) near Pune Railway Station.

The accused, identified as Sheikh Sarfaraz Sheikh Khadir and Sachin Sujit Rozoria, have been remanded to judicial custody until February 21 for violating the Wildlife Protection Act.

Last week, the Customs Department received intelligence about an illegal trade of parakeets set to take place in the Pune Railway Station area. Acting on this information, officials conducted a raid and apprehended Sheikh Sarfaraz Sheikh Khadir along with several birds.

During further investigation, Sachin Sujit Rozoria was identified as an accomplice, leading to his arrest at Sangvi Phata in a follow-up operation. Authorities have now registered cases against both individuals under the Wildlife Protection Act.

On Monday (February 10), the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Pune remanded the accused to judicial custody until February 21. Following the court order, both individuals were transferred to Yerawada Central Prison.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate and led by Forest Range Officer Suresh Vark. The team included Forest Guards Kaluram Kad, Anil Rathod, Madhukar Godge, Aakar Gund, Vinayak Tathe, and Ramesh Shinde. Authorities have emphasized that illegal wildlife trade is a serious offense, and strict action will continue against offenders involved in such activities.