AZARA: The existence of tortoises at Deeper Beel is threatened by some smugglers. It has been learnt that smugglers around the beel catch rare species of tortoises and sell them in the nearby markets. Even though a ban on catching of tortoises is in place, smugglers are selling tortoises weighing between 5-7 kg at the rate of Rs 250-300 per kg. The wildlife department, even after repeated complaints by some conscious people, has not taken necessary steps in this regard. They therefore urged the authorities to take strong measures to stop catching of tortoises and help in their preservation.