Over 1,600 birds and 170 rabbits, which were cruelly stuffed in small cages and were being transported from Kolkata to Mumbai in the Jnaneshwari Super Deluxe Express on Monday, were rescued, thanks to an animal activist.

Activist informs minister

Subarata Das, 36-year-old Kolkata resident, who was travelling in the train, posted pictures and information about the birds and rabbits on social media. He also informed union minister Maneka Gandhi. Das was going to the Cow Research Centre at Nagpur, when he saw the creatures kept in very small cages at Howrah station.

Speaking to mid-day, Das said, "I asked the loader about the cages and he did not respond. Then I took photos and videos of the cages and uploaded them on my Facebook page. I also informed Maneka Gandhi who alerted animal welfare activists." Nagpur-based animal activists sent by her, and RPF officials rescued the birds and animals.

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"I was in touch with district animal welfare officer Anjali Vediya who reached Nagpur station with her team. Over 1,600 birds and 170 rabbits were stuffed in nine small cages. I have complained about this to the railway minister and asked him to intervene in such cases where people transport birds and animals. They must keep them in secure and comfortable cages," Das added. Many of the birds and rabbits died by the time the animal activists arrived to rescue them. The rest have been kept in a veterinary centre at Nagpur.

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Animal welfare officer speaks

"The process of registering an FIR under the Animal Cruelty Act is on. The persons transporting these birds and animals to Mumbai have a licence, but no one is allowed to transport them in a cruel manner," said district animal welfare officer, Anjali Vediya. "The panchnama has been done and the process of registering the FIR is on," said an RPF officer from Nagpur city.

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