Katihar: Two mini trucks allegedly carrying banned Chinese Mangur fish worth around ₹5 lakh were seized by a Fisheries Department team near the Rautara toll plaza in Katihar district of Bihar.
According to Fisheries Officer Sanat Kumar, the department intercepted the vehicles after receiving information about the transportation of the banned fish. The mini trucks were identified by registration numbers WB 51C 8442 and WB 65C 4122.
During questioning, the drivers allegedly told officials that the consignment had been brought from Bengal and was being transported to the Purnia market.
Three people detained
The Fisheries Department took the two drivers and an assistant into custody following the seizure. Officials said the recovered fish was destroyed in accordance with the prescribed regulations.
One of the drivers, identified as Abhijeet Mohammad Kaleem, allegedly claimed during questioning that vehicles carrying such consignments could pass through police checkpoints by paying ₹400–₹500.
However, this allegation has not been independently verified.
Questions over movement of banned fish
The alleged statement has raised questions about surveillance along the route between Bengal and Purnia and how a large consignment of banned fish travelled through multiple checkpoints without being intercepted.
The Fisheries Department has initiated further action in the case. The circumstances surrounding the transportation of the consignment and the driver’s allegations are expected to be examined as part of the proceedings.
