FOREST DEPT FOILS TEAK SMUGGLING: Gang's Bizarre Superstition Revealed in Madhya Pradesh

Khandwa (The Uttam Hindu): In a shocking revelation, the forest department in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district has busted a major teak smuggling gang, uncovering a bizarre superstition practiced by the accused. The gang, led by Kapil Vishnoi, a sand trader, believed that worshiping the genitals of a wild monitor lizard would ensure success in their smuggling operations and reduce the risk of getting caught. The forest department raided the Aamaliya range of Khandwa forest division, arresting Kapil Vishnoi and another accused, Deepak, father of Ramsing Korku. During interrogation, Deepak confessed to the bizarre superstition, leading to the recovery of wildlife parts from the forest.

Other Accused in the Gang

The arrested accused Deepak also revealed the names of other gang members, including:

- Brijmohan alias Birju Patel

- Ganesh alias Kuppa

- Vijay Pandit

- Mangu Sardar

- Hari Pawar Banjara, a resident of Nagawa

The gang's network extends to Harda district, where they supplied smuggled goods to Sharad Bishnoi. The forest department is cracking down on the gang, with officials promising to arrest the remaining members soon.

Legal Ramifications

The monitor lizard is listed in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, making its hunting and smuggling of its parts illegal and punishable. This case highlights the extreme measures criminals will take to justify their illegal activities, and the importance of vigilance by law enforcement agencies. The forest department's swift action has sent a strong message against wildlife crime, and efforts are underway to destroy the entire smuggling network.