“The Kolkata Police is taking the issue seriously. Earlier, even if we tracked down illegal trade in wild animals and birds, we would rarely receive support from the local police station. The detective department has come up with a new wing dedicated to tackling wildlife and environmental offences in the city and it is quite effective too,” said Divisional Forest Officer Rathin Banerjee.

DC (DD) Jawed Shamim, however, said that the wing had been there but became fully operational recently. “It got an impetus only recently. Since March, we have been taking initiative and conducting raids on our own. At least two cases are being registered each month,” he said. The wing consists of one officer-in-charge, three sub-inspectors and three constables.

Colonel Shakti Banerjee, Honorary Director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, has been appointed as the Honorary Wildlife Warden.

“The post had been there, but perhaps it is the first time a 'formal' appointment is being made. He has also been entrusted to build a team of 12 volunteers to help us conduct raids at the various fairs during the rath yatra,” said Banerjee.