A major counter-smuggling operation at Kempegowda International Airport in Karnataka state's Bengaluru city has rescued a dead baby kangaroo and 234 live endangered reptile species from the luggage of a passenger traveling from Thailand to India.
The 32-year-old resident of Tamil Nadu state, who was on board Thai AirAsia's flight FD 137, has been arrested for illegally possessing and smuggling wild animals.
An investigating officer told Indian media on Wednesday that he became suspicious after scanning one of the containers that showed a small dog-like figure.
When they opened it, they were shocked to find a baby kangaroo who had suffocated inside the container.
The other species - which were all alive - have been safely handed over to the forest department, the officer said.
While being interrogated, the accused told the customs officers that he was unaware of the bag's contents, as he received the bag in Bangkok and was just instructed to carry it to Bengaluru airport.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act, the import or export of wild exotic or rare species of animals, including their parts and products, is a criminal offense and is prohibited in India.
India is said to be a major transit hub for wildlife trafficking across South Asia. Several incidents of smuggling of exotic birds, snakes, India Star tortoises, pangolins, seahorses, and ornamental fishes make headlines.