**Karjat Police Crack High-Profile Theft Case Involving Rare Exotic Birds Worth Rs 11.25 Lakh**
Karjat Police have successfully solved a high-profile theft case involving rare exotic birds valued at Rs 11.25 lakh. The suspects were traced across states, leading to the recovery of the stolen parrots in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Two accused, including a resident of Delhi, have been arrested in connection with the case.
The theft occurred at the Rewild Sanctuary and Charitable Trust located in Tembhre-Ambivali, Karjat, Raigad. According to police reports, the thieves broke the lock of an iron cage and escaped with a total of nine birds — seven African Grey Parrots, one Blue-Gold Macaw, and one Scarlet Macaw.
These birds are highly prized due to their intelligence, long lifespan, and ability to mimic human speech. A senior Karjat police officer explained, “The African Grey Parrot has the intelligence of a five-year-old child and can live up to 40 years. Each bird is valued at Rs 75,000. Similarly, Blue-Gold Macaws cost Rs 2 lakh each, and Scarlet Macaws Rs 4 lakh each, living up to 70 years. These species are often kept in zoos and aviaries as prized attractions.”
The accused have been identified as Anil Ramchandra Jadhav (19), a resident of Wavandhal, Khalapur, Raigad, and Rajesh Singh alias Shamsher Singh (43), from Mahipalpur, South West Delhi. A case was registered on July 17, 2025, under BNS sections 305, 331(4), and 3(5).
The investigation faced significant challenges as the CCTV cameras at the sanctuary were not functional at the time of the theft. Police examined multiple CCTV feeds from surrounding routes and managed to obtain images of the suspects. Acting on intelligence gathered from informants, Jadhav was apprehended on August 2 and remanded to police custody until August 6 by the Karjat Magistrate Court.
Further interrogation led to the identification of his accomplice, resulting in the recovery of all the stolen birds from Chennai.
Superintendent of Police, Raigad, Anchal Dalal, praised the team’s efforts, stating, “This was a complex operation that required technical analysis, coordination, and persistent follow-up. The recovery of all the birds intact is a major relief for the sanctuary.”
The operation was conducted under the guidance of SP Dalal, Additional SP Abhijit Shivthare, and SDPO Rahul Gaikwad. The dedicated investigation team included PI Sandeep Bhosale, API Rahul Barote, PSI Kiran Navale, PSI Sushant Varak, along with other staff members from Karjat Police Station.
Police have urged the public to take preventive measures to secure valuables with proper surveillance. A police spokesperson added, “We urge citizens to install and regularly monitor CCTV systems at farmhouses, hotels, and commercial premises, and to ensure DVRs are placed securely out of sight.”
This successful recovery highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community cooperation in protecting precious wildlife assets.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/karjat-police-crack-exotic-bird-theft-case-recover-1125-lakh-worth-parrots-from-chennai