Jharsuguda, Odisha : The Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Brajrajnagar Railway Station intercepted a couple traveling on the Mumbai–Shalimar Express and recovered 20 imported Persian cats being transported illegally.
According to RPF sources, the couple had boarded the train from Mumbai and were headed to Santragachi, Kolkata, allegedly to sell the exotic cats at a private farm. The train arrived at Brajrajnagar station around 2:30 AM on Sunday, when officials acted on a tip-off and detained the passengers.
The passengers were identified as Amin Saiyad of Mumbai, his wife, and their four-month-old child, who were found carrying the cats in multiple cages. Authorities suspect the cats were being trafficked for commercial purposes.
The rescued Persian cats have been handed over for safe custody, while the RPF has launched an investigation to trace the source, purpose, and network behind this illegal transportation.
