Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Tattoo Artist Held in Pune With Monitor Lizard Parts
Forest officials in Pune received information about a suspected wildlife trade.
They set a trap near Pune Railway Station on June 19.
They arrested Malhar Lala Lokhande, a 34-year-old tattoo artist.
Officials said they found a dried part of a monitor lizard with him.
They also said his alleged partner had about 70 similar dried parts.
The partner escaped and is still being searched for.
Investigators said the parts came from local people in forests near Junnar.
The case was linked in the report’s headline to the superstition around “Hatha Jodi.”
Forest officials arrested 34-year-old tattoo artist Malhar Lala Lokhande in Pune on June 19.
Officials said Lokhande was allegedly involved in illegal trade involving monitor lizard parts.
A search reportedly found a severed and dried monitor lizard genital organ in his possession.
His alleged accomplice fled and was said to be carrying about 70 dried monitor lizard parts.
Investigators said the parts were procured from locals in forests near Junnar.
- Who
- Forest officials arrested Malhar Lala Lokhande, while his alleged accomplice escaped.
- What
- Lokhande was arrested over alleged illegal trade in dried monitor lizard parts.
- When
- June 19, during June this year.
- Where
- Near Pune Railway Station; officials said the parts came from forests near Junnar in Pune district.
- Why
- Officials said the suspects allegedly procured and traded monitor lizard parts.
- Accused arrested
- Malhar Lala Lokhande, 34, a tattoo artist from Pimple Gurav
- Arrest date
- June 19
- Arrest location
- Pune Railway Station area
- Recovered item
- A severed and dried genital organ of a monitor lizard
- Additional suspected items
- About 70 dried monitor lizard parts, allegedly carried by Lokhande’s accomplice
- Source of parts
- Locals in forests near Junnar, according to investigators
- Investigation status
- The alleged accomplice remained at large and a search was under way