World · South & Central Asia · 14 hrs ago
Four arrested over alleged sexual abuse of Bengal monitor lizard in Maharashtra
Four people were arrested over the alleged sexual abuse of a Bengal monitor lizard in Gothane village, in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
Forest officials said the case came to light while they were investigating the group’s alleged illegal entry into Chandoli National Park, part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
The group had been booked over the entry, and one person was allegedly carrying a gun for hunting.
Officials said the alleged abuse was recorded on a mobile phone and that related evidence was recovered.
The four were charged under sections of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
They were granted bail and must report to the investigating forest officer every Monday.
The investigation is continuing.
Four people were arrested over the alleged sexual abuse of a Bengal monitor lizard in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
The alleged incident occurred at Gothane village in Ratnagiri district.
Forest officials said they found evidence during an investigation into the accused’s alleged illegal entry into Chandoli National Park.
The four were charged under sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and are now out on bail.
- Who
- Four people identified as Sandeep Tukaram Pawar, Mangesh Kamtekar, Akshay Kamtekar and Ramesh Ghag.
- What
- They were arrested and charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a Bengal monitor lizard.
- When
- The incident date is not stated. The accused were booked for illegal entry on March 31.
- Where
- Gothane village in Ratnagiri district, within Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
- Why
- The alleged abuse was discovered during an investigation into illegal entry into the forest. A motive is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
During the investigation, the forest officials found that the accused had allegedly raped a Bengal monitor lizard. Their act was also recorded in a mobile phone of one of the accused persons.
The four accused have been booked under various sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
The four accused were booked for allegedly entering the forest illegally.
Forest officials said they discovered evidence of the alleged abuse, including a mobile-phone recording.
The accused were initially placed in forest department custody and were later released on bail.
- Accused
- Sandeep Tukaram Pawar, Mangesh Kamtekar, Akshay Kamtekar and Ramesh Ghag
- Animal
- Bengal monitor lizard
- Location
- Gothane village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra
- Protected area
- Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, including Chandoli National Park
- Law
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Sources
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