The turtle which was rescued by activists may be the Black Softshell turtle. It is a species of freshwater turtles found exclusively in India Wildlife activists again came to the rescue of a rare species of animal on Sunday.

Animal activists averted a plan to sell a schedule I turtle to tantriks for a whopping sum of Rs 60 lakh. The seized animal was later handed over to the forest department.

Members of the Wild Animals and Snake Protection Society (WASPS) got a tip-off about a week ago about the possible sale of a turtle from some unidentified persons.

Santosh Kharat, president of WASPS told Pune Mirror, “We went to Nasrapur,  in the divison Velhe, about 75 kms from Pune to look out for the men. We constantly visited the place for three days but without success. Before leaving for the village, we called the forest officials who promised us help.”

The team trapped the dealers on fourth day, Dec 13 at 7 pm with the help of Ravi Lohire, who is a resident of village. There was a scuffle between the three men who had come there to sell and buy the turtle. In the scuffle, Harish Jawale and Santosh Kalaje got injured.

However, the four-member team managed to seize the turtle from the three men, who ran away fearing police action.

“We learned that two of the men were ready to pay Rs 60 lakh for that turtle. We tried to contact forest officials and the police but there was no mobile reception,” Thorat said.

The turtle happens to resemble the Black Softshell Turtle (nilssonia nigricans) but none of the activists could name the exact species. This turtle is almost extinct in the wild and according to Thorat, it is included in schedule I list of endangered species.

Dilip Bhurke, forest range officer, Pune said, “These turtles are used by tantriks and are coveted by superstitious people. They believe that the turtles bring money and hence are ready to pay any amount. The activists rescued the animal and contacted me. Once the turtle is in my custody, I will contact Bhor police to investigate further.”