Bhilwara: Chittorgarh police, Tuesday, busted a wildlife smuggling racket that used iron cages, cattle carcasses and sensor-equipped CCTV cameras to trap wild animals in dense forests near Mandphiya.Superintendent of Police Manish Tripathi said the smugglers set up large iron cages on govt land in secluded jungle areas and baited them with dead cows, grain and leftover food. Sensor-based CCTV cameras were installed on nearby trees to monitor animal movement. As soon as a wild animal entered the cage to feed, the system would sent a notification, prompting the accused to pull a rope tied to the cage door from a distance of 150-200 metre, trapping the animal. The case came to light Tuesday night near Geedakheda village under Mandphiya circle when police received information about a dead cow placed inside a cage on govt land. Villagers gathered at the spot demanding action. Multiple teams were formed under the supervision of ASP Sarita Singh. After scanning 40-50 CCTV cameras, police identified a suspicious pickup vehicle and detained two men — Pawan Harijan (25) of Bhadsauda and Vikas Harijan (29) of Chanderia. During interrogation, they confessed to setting up the trap along with four to five accomplices. The accused revealed they chose the area near the famous Sanwaliya Seth temple as leftover food from the nearby dump yard regularly attracted wild animals. A cage was installed on March 1, and a dead cow brought from a distant cow shelter was placed inside as bait. Police are investigating whether the wild animals were to be sold alive, slaughtered for meat, or used for other illegal purposes. Further interrogation is underway.
