The Railway Protection Force not only safeguards people but also protects endangered animals. The alertness and vigilance on the part of RPF of Northeast Frontier Railway, helped in rescue of a large number of rare species of tortoises from poachers.

These endangered animals were being transported illegally in Train No. 13176 Kanchenjunga Express which was running from Silchar to Sealdah.

The incident took place on Sunday. Acting on the tip-off a contingent of RPF and Government Railway Police conducted a search and raid operation in the train on its arrival at Lumding Railway station.

While carefully scrutinising the passengers, the officials became suspicious about three black coloured bags belonging to two persons which they had kept under their berth. The security personnel asked them to open the bags. Inside them they found two plastic containers in each bag and the total of six containers had 74 tortoises.

When the two individuals were questioned, they confessed that they were transporting the tortoises from Silchar to Guwahati. On completion of all formalities, the recovered tortoises with plastic baskets and bags along with the two persons were taken into custody by RPF.

The station authorities informed the Forest Range Officer of Lumding Range. A team from the forest department arrived at the station to take charge of the animals and the two men. They were taken into custody under the Wildlife Protection Act. The accused were produced in the Lower District Court of CJM, Hojai.