January 11, 2025: In a significant operation against wildlife trafficking, the Delhi Police Crime Branch seized two rare rhinoceros horns worth ₹3 crore in the international market and apprehended four individuals involved in the illegal trade. The horns, confirmed to be from the endangered white rhinoceros, were recovered during a raid in Lajpat Nagar on January 9.
The suspects, identified as Deepak Sharma, a resident of Lajpat Nagar, and Suresh Kumar, Sant Ram, and Anil Kumar Sethi, all from Uttam Nagar, were allegedly orchestrating the sale of the horns. Acting on a tip-off, the police launched an undercover operation, deploying a constable as a decoy buyer. Negotiations culminated in a deal for ₹1 crore, with the perpetrators planning to deliver the horns to the buyer. The raid ensued at a flat in Lajpat Nagar, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the horns.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sanjay Kumar Sain, the accused could not provide documentation for the possession of the horns, which wildlife experts later authenticated as belonging to a white rhinoceros. The horns hold substantial value due to their rarity and high demand in illegal markets.
During questioning, Deepak Sharma revealed that the horns had been in his family for nearly 90 years, inherited from his grandfather as antiques. However, financial difficulties worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic drove Sharma to sell the horns. To facilitate the sale, he approached Suresh Kumar, a religious figure in Uttam Nagar, who contacted Sant Ram, a government employee. Ram, in turn, enlisted the help of Anil Kumar Sethi, a private worker, to finalize the transaction.
The suspects now face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, which prohibits the trade of items derived from endangered species. Authorities are further investigating potential links in the wildlife trafficking network. This operation highlights the persistent threat to endangered species and the need for robust enforcement to protect them.