Sunil Lohan
Taking strong exception on the incident of nine venomous snakes rescued from a flight to Bengaluru to Bangkok on Thursday,Mansoor Chetlu,a city-based social rights activist, on Saturday filed a complaint with the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka,seeking immediate action against those involved in a wildlife smuggling racket unearthed at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on May 12, 2025.
The complaint alleges serious lapses in airport security and calls for the registration of an FIR against Thai Airways,Malaysian Airways,and individuals linked to ( VANTARA),a private zoo in Gujarat, identified as the smuggling operation’s mastermind.
The activist also demanded the re-arrest of accused smugglers Jagadeesh Raman and Yogesh,who were released on bail by Customs officials due to jurisdictional constraints.
Mr.Chetlu in his complaint urged the authorities to investigate airline negligence,interrogate the suspects to uncover the trafficking network,and dismantle the operation with support from international agencies like Interpol.
He also recommended establishing a Wildlife Task Force at KIA to curb recurring smuggling incidents and enforcing biosecurity protocols to prevent ecological threats posed by invasive species.
The case has shed light on systemic negligence, with activists warning that such lapses threaten public safety, biodiversity, and national security during heightened geopolitical tensions.
The complaint alleges that Thai Airways,Malaysian Airways,Jagadeesh Raman (the passenger),Yogesh (the receiver) VANTARA (a private zoo in Jamnagar,Gujarat, identified as the mastermind),and Central and State Government personnel involved for their roles in illegally smuggling 9 venomous Wagler’s pit vipers, and one common spotted cuscus,and one live opossum into India via Thai Airways flight (TG 325)from Bangkok, Thailand,to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru,on May 12,2025.
This incident,among a series of smuggling cases,has violated Indian and international laws,endangered passengers and crew on the flight,ground staff,and public safety,and exposed systemic security lapses perpetuated by an international wildlife trafficking network, the complaint stated .
The Customs Department and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have taken diligent action within their limited powers,intercepting the smuggled animals and releasing Jagadeesh Raman and Yogesh on bail due to jurisdictional constraints.
However,it is the duty of the airport police to register an FIR and initiate legal action, which they have failed to do as of May 15, 2025.
This inaction,despite recurring seizures and media reports,indicates systemic negligence,potential collusion with smugglers,and a grave failure to perform legal duties under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA),1972, Section 50 and section 173 of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita.
On May 12,2025,Customs officials at KIA intercepted Jagadeesh Raman (Passport No.ZS06838384),a 35-year-old passenger arriving on Thai Airways flight TG 325 from Bangkok,Thailand,at 00:15 hrs,carrying nine live venomous Wagler’s pit vipers,one common spotted cuscus,and one live opossum.The Animal Quarantine and deported back to Bangkok,Thailand.
Thai Airways and Malaysian Airways failed to implement adequate baggage screening or permit verification at their respective airports, allowing the animals to be transported on-board,in violation of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR),Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR),and ICAO Annex 18.
The complainant alleged that Central and State government officials have failed to enforce security protocols under Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines,contributing to recurring smuggling incidents at KIA,as evidenced by past seizures:17 king cobras,55 ball pythons,and 6 capuchin monkeys in September 2023,230 reptiles in August 2023 and 10 anacondas in April 2024 .
Despite a senior BIAL official writing to Bangkok Airport’s MD and CEO in January 2025 about rising smuggling systemic lapses persist.
1.5 The KIA Police Station has taken no proactive steps as of May 15, 2025,despite wildlife seizures occurring at least three times per month at KIA,with no FIRs registered for prior incidents leg,September 2023,April 2024 or the current case.
This failure,during India’s state of high alert due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan,endangers public safety and national security
1.6 Jagadeesh Kaman and Yogesh were released on bail by the Customs Department on May 15, 2025, due to their limited powers to detain beyond initial action.
The responsibility to register an FIR and pursue legal action lies with the KIA Police Station,which has failed to act,necessitating urgent intervention by the state police head .
