Guwahati, Sept 22 Around 300 live rare freshwater fish species ‘Channa Barca’, locally known as Cheng Eli, were seized from a bus in Assam’s Golaghat district on Tuesday, and five people were apprehended, Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said.
Acting on specific intelligence from police, a team of forest personnel of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division intercepted the bus near Bokakhat and conducted a search.
During the search, 300 live fish of the rare species, being transported without valid permission or documents, were seized.
Channa barca, also known as the Barca Snakehead, is a rare fish native to the Brahmaputra basin. The species is highly sought after in the international ornamental fish trade, where individual specimens can command high prices. It is currently classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
An offence report has been registered at Bokakhat Range of the forest department, while the apprehended persons are being questioned to determine the source of the fish, their intended destination and possible market links, Baruah said.
Officials said the rescued fish have been kept in safe custody and will undergo veterinary examination.
They are expected to be released into a suitable natural habitat after the necessary approval from the competent authority or court.
Further investigations are underway to determine whether others were involved in the alleged illegal transportation and trade, the official added.
(PTI News)
