Teams intensified checks at Secunderabad railway station after receiving inputs from the security control room.

Officials said the protected reptile was found concealed in a bag during routine inspections. The seizure came as part of heightened vigilance to prevent wildlife smuggling through railway routes.

Passenger from Addagutta held during Bhongir-Secunderabad journey

During the operation, personnel intercepted Suresh Kumar, 32, from Addagutta, who was travelling from Bhongir to Secunderabad. They identified the tortoise in his possession and immediately took him into custody.

He was shifted to the Railway Protection Force police station for further inquiry. Officials recorded his statement and secured the reptile to hand it over to the Forest department for care and legal procedures.

Forest officials informed as court orders 14 day remand

Railway Protection Force authorities subsequently alerted Forest department officials about the seizure. The accused was produced before a court, which remanded him to 14 days in judicial custody, Hyderabad Divisional Forest Officer Srinivas said.

Officials added that further investigation is under way to ascertain the source and intended destination of the tortoise. Action will be taken under relevant wildlife protection laws after completion of the inquiry.