Activists Demand Arrest of Langur Trafficker in Jagtial

Karimnagar: Animal welfare activists have demanded the immediate arrest of a key wildlife trafficker following the rescue of two langurs from local rice mills in Kodimyal mandal of Jagtial district.

Although the animals were successfully rescued, members of the Stray Animal Foundation of India (SAFI) approached district collector B. Satya Prasad on Saturday, urging strict action against those involved in the illegal wildlife trade under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Acting on a complaint lodged by animal welfare activist Maduvath Preethi, officials inspected two locations near Chamundi Rice Industries and Dattasai Rice Industry, where they found two langurs being kept in illegal captivity.

Further inquiry by the NGO revealed that the langurs were allegedly supplied by a man identified as Srinu, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, who is suspected to be part of an organised inter-State network involved in the transport and sale of langurs on demand.

SAFI’s cruelty prevention manager Adulapuram Goutham submitted a formal representation to the district collector, stating that merely rescuing the animals would not deter the crime unless the traffickers were prosecuted.

He said the NGO had collected substantial evidence, including visiting cards, phone numbers, audio recordings and location details linked to the traffickers. Noting that langurs are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, he said capturing, transporting or selling them is a punishable offence that can attract imprisonment.

The NGO urged the district collector to direct forest department officials to launch a comprehensive investigation into the trafficking network. SAFI also offered to hand over all digital evidence to assist police and forest officials in identifying and arresting those involved.