Frogs rescued
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 28 2021: A team of Patsoi Police apprehended two individuals and rescued about 4500 frogs weighing around 120 kgs which were being transported to Senapati.

The frogs were reportedly caught from Moirang and were being transported by one Bambam Kom, a resident of Leibon in Moirang Mantak, to be sold at Senapati in a Maruti van driven by one Kenedy Kom from the same locality, said a statement issued by PFA.

The driver had made a wrong turn and went to Noney instead of Senapati and they were caught by the police team led by Inspector K Budha, OC Patsoi Police Station, who were conducting routine checking of vehicles along the highway.

People For Animals was informed by the police and they rushed to the spot along with staff of the Central Forest Division.

As the frogs were being packed in 9 sacks, there was a possibility that the frogs would not survive long.

RK Amarjit (DFO) Central Forest Division, Patsoi Police team and PFA released the rescued frogs at a site in Lamphelpat after seeking permission from Chief Wildlife Warden Manipur.

Many of them were already dead inside the sacks, added the statement.

The rescued frogs included 300 Indian Bullfrogs and the remaining were mainly Indian Skittering frogs which were brought from Moirang at about Rs 100-120 per Kg and it usually fetch a price of Rs 150 per Kg going all the way up to Rs 280 per Kg at Senapati.

The rescued frog species are protected under Wildlife Protection Act Schedule IV and any one involved in catching or killing any species of wildlife included in the said section can be charged a fine of Rs 25,000/- or 3 years imprisonment or both, added the statement.

DFO Central Forest Division has taken up a case against the apprehended individuals and further investigation is underway.

PFA added in the statement that catching of frogs can adversely affect the environment as frogs serve as a predator of many insects which will pose a serious threat to agricultural crops.

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