The forest department in Thane rescued nine parakeets from the city and detained a man for their alleged smuggling. Acting on a tip-off, the department's flying squad laid a trap on Tuesday and seized the parakeets from Ajit Patil's possession.

 The seized birds comprised Alexandrine parakeets, Rose ring parakeets, and Plum-headed parakeets. A case was registered against Patil under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, which prohibits the trapping, selling, or holding of such birds in captivity, stated a report in PTI.