A very strange and shocking news has come out from Faridabad. A self-styled astrologer, who runs a spiritual healing business in Sector-8 here, has been arrested on charges of selling banned wildlife parts. These organs include the genital private parts of dried monitor lizards and soft corals that were allegedly used in occult and tantric rituals. The accused has been identified as 38-year-old Yagya Dutt.

Accused caught in joint raid

Yagya Dutt was caught red-handed during a joint raid by Haryana Forest Department, Haryana Police, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Wildlife Trust of India. It is learned that Yagya used to sell these banned items through his astrology office and various online platforms. According to the report, the team recovered three pieces of monitor lizards' genitalia and five pieces of soft coral from him.

A fine of Rs 10,000 and imprisonment up to 7 years

It is important to know that the Monitor Lizard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This means that the highest legal protection in the country has been provided to save this species. Possession or trade in monitor lizard body parts is a punishable offense in the country. If found guilty, the accused can be jailed for three to seven years and the court can also impose a fine of Rs 10,000.

Further investigation is ongoing

Gurugram Divisional Forest Officer RK Jangra said that this incident shows the need for strict vigilance. Further investigations are underway to identify the sellers and buyers so that the entire network of this illegal trade can be exposed. This case underscores the growing concern over wildlife crimes and the need for strict action to curb them.

PC:Punjab Kesari