Man arrested for wildlife smuggling at Bangalore airport

Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport have arrested a man for smuggling endangered animals. The suspect, 24-year-old Vinayagamoorthy Kottesvaran, was intercepted upon arrival from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Officials received a tip-off and checked Kottesvaran's baggage. They found four siamangs and two Northern pig-tailed macaques hidden in cardboard boxes inside his suitcases. The import of these animals is strictly controlled under Indian law and international agreements. Kottesvaran was reportedly on his way to Chennai to deliver the animals to someone named Ansari. Authorities believe these creatures were intended for private zoos. Violating wildlife protection laws can lead to serious penalties, including imprisonment for three to seven years. The rescued animals are set to be sent back to Malaysia. Investigations are ongoing to find other people involved in this smuggling network.