Gang selling langurs busted, 5 arrested

With the arrest of five persons, the Delhi Police Crime Branch and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has busted an interstate gang, which allegedly sold langurs to private units. Four Langurs have also been rescued, police said on Friday.

The police said the gang used to earn Rs 10,000-15,000 per langur. The arrested have been identified as Shahid Khan, Barish, Sunil Kumar, Shahid Ali and <g data-gr-id="22">Golu</g>. Khan is the gang’s kingpin, police said.

“A tip-off was received around 6:30am that an interstate trader of langurs, along with his associates, would come near Dhaula Kuan in a Scorpio with four langurs,” said JCP (Crime) Ravindra Yadav. A team was formed under the supervision of DCP Bhisham Singh to apprehend the culprits. A trap was laid near Dhaula Kuan. The police signalled the Scorpio to stop, but the accused tried to flee.  They were arrested after a brief chase, police said.

“Four langurs were found stuffed in gunny bags in the car’s boot space. Trade/ custody of langurs is prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. A case has been registered against the accused and they have been arrested,” said Yadav.

They told the police that they were going to deliver the animals in a cloth mill at Fagwara, Punjab.