Amreli, Jul 18 (PTI) A man was arrested in Gujarat’s Amreli district for alleged possession of a blackbuck skin and two nails of wild animals, which he used for tantric practise at his home, a forest department official said Friday.
Acting on a tip-off, Gir (East) forest division officials carried out a search at the house of one Veljibhai Matang in Simran village under Savarkundla taluka and recovered two wild animal nails and a blackbuck skin, Range Forest Officer Pratapbhai Chandu said.
Possession of body parts of protected wild animals is illegal under law.
“The accused used these items for tantric practices at home. When questioned, he said they belonged to his grandfather and are more than two decades old which his family used for worship,” he said.
Prima facie, the nails appear to be of a lion or leopard, and have been sent for forensic examination, he said.
Matang was arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, Chandu said, adding further probe was underway. PTI COR KA RSY
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