Two Czech ‘scientists’ arrested in India for wildlife crime

July 2008: Two Czech nationals that were arrested for allegedly collecting rare wildife specimens illegally near Darjeeling in June have been granted 'interim' bail. However, as requested by the prosecution, the court has set several conditions to prevent them from leaving India.

The two Czech ‘scientists', Petr Svacha and Emil Kucera were arrested for illegally collecting rare insects in Singhalila National Park, violating Indian wildlife laws. About 500 live and preserved insects were seized from their hotel room near Darjeeling. Among their collection, which was sent to the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) for identification, the forest officials in Darjeeling identified Delias sanaca, a butterfly listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Collecting for research purposes - allegedly
The accused had, during the time of their arrest, pleaded that they were collecting the insects for research purposes and that they were unaware of the Indian laws. However, post-arrest investigation had revealed that Kucera, a forester, was involved in the trade of insects. They were also found to have violated other administrative procedures, as required by the local laws.

Courtesy of the Wildlife Trust of India