Ahmedabad: Weeks after the city crime branch busted an illegal racket involving the breeding and sale of exotic animals, investigators believe the trade has not stopped. Officials suspect several individuals are selling rare species through social media platforms and private networks. The animals are allegedly being supplied to wealthy buyers who keep them at farmhouses or properties outside the city. Police say the network could be larger than initially detected.Sources in the crime branch said several individuals are allegedly offering exotic animals to affluent buyers through closed groups and direct contacts. Investigators say some of the suspected sellers include an accused recently arrested from Navrangpura in an earlier case. Another individual is believed to be operating from Vastrapur, while two more suspected sellers have been traced to Zundal. Officials believe this indicates the network could be larger than initially uncovered.A senior crime branch officer said investigators have identified multiple farmhouses in and around Ahmedabad where exotic animals such as hamsters, red-handed tamarins and mini lop rabbits are being kept. “These animals are often displayed during private gatherings or parties as a status symbol,” the officer said.These animals are often displayed during private gatherings or parties as a status symbol,” the officer said. He added that earlier wealthy owners preferred keeping hounds or horses, but in recent years the trend shifted towards rare foreign species.Authorities also found that many owners are not following mandatory procedures for keeping exotic animals. Under existing rules, individuals possessing exotic species must declare them to the forest department, maintain proper medical records and follow biosecurity guidelines to prevent disease transmission.Investigators said the price of such animals ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh depending on the species and rarity. Meanwhile, the crime branch has begun examining possible supply routes through which these animals reach Ahmedabad. Officials said the matter has also been referred to the Customs department, which is expected to look into possible illegal imports or exports connected to the racket. A formal complaint from Customs is still awaited.The investigation also overlaps with another probe in which authorities are examining allegations that snake venom was being supplied for use at rave parties in the city. Officials said the inquiries into both aspects are ongoing.
