Wildlife Trafficker Arrested Near Pune Railway Station; Protected Monitor Lizard Body Parts Seized
Wildlife Trafficker Arrested Near Pune Railway Station; Protected Monitor Lizard Body Parts Seized
Pune, June 22, 2026: The Pune Forest Department has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and seized prohibited wildlife body parts, popularly known as “Hatha Jodi,” during an operation conducted near Pune Railway Station.
The accused, identified as Malhar Lala Lokhande, was allegedly found in possession of a “Hatha Jodi,” a dried body part believed to be sourced from a monitor lizard, a species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
According to Vishal Chavan, Assistant Conservator of Forests, the accused was taken into custody along with the seized material and booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Following his arrest, he was produced before a court, which granted the Forest Department one day of custody for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, Lokhande allegedly revealed that he had been sourcing such wildlife-derived items from local communities across the district and selling them. Forest officials are now investigating whether he is linked to a larger wildlife trafficking network operating in the region.
“Hatha Jodi” is often traded illegally due to widespread superstitious beliefs that it can attract wealth, prosperity, and business success. Wildlife experts, however, have repeatedly stated that such claims have no scientific basis and continue to encourage the hunting and illegal trade of protected species, including monitor lizards.
Forest officials reiterated that offences involving Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, are serious crimes and can attract imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, along with a minimum fine of ₹25,000.
The department has urged citizens to refrain from purchasing wildlife products and to report any suspicious wildlife trade activities to authorities.
