NEW DELHI: A school headmaster and two others were arrested on Sunday for allegedly smuggling a flying gecko, an endangered reptile, in Jalpaiguri district, a forest official said.
Acting on a tip off, forest officials intercepted a car at a place near Gajoldoba Bridge and rescued the animal which was kept in a cage, Belakoba Ranger Sanjay Dutta said.
One of the three arrested persons, Tabibur Rahaman Pramanick, is a primary school headmaster in Cooch Behar district and also a panchayat member who won on Forward Bloc ticket, he said.
They were going to Siliguri to sell the flying gecko for Rs.50 lakh, he said, adding it is being investigated whether the three accused are involved with an international racket, as such reptiles have a great demand in Nepal, he said.
About 6 to 8 inches long, the flying geckos feature prominent skin flaps along their sides, including tail and feet, which help them glide.
