A turtle bought for ₹500 is being sold for ₹10,000. It's being supplied from Chambal-Balaghat to major cities via Mumbai. The investigation by the STSF has uncovered a network of 4 states, including Madhya Pradesh.

The turtles emerging from the Wainganga River in Chambal and Balaghat have now become a source of income for smugglers. These turtles, which are locally bought for between 500 to 900 rupees, are sent not only to major cities in Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, but also to Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Their price ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 rupees, depending on the species and the demand of the buyers. The State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) of the Forest Department is investigating this matter.