The State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) of Madhya Pradesh arrested two individuals on Tuesday from Shivpuri district for allegedly capturing, abusing, and filming a crocodile before posting the videos on social media platforms.
Action Initiated After Social Media Videos
The arrests were made on the directive of the chief wildlife warden following reports of videos circulating online that purportedly showed a crocodile being captured, handled, and abused for social media content.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, the accused created Instagram reels depicting themselves catching a crocodile, keeping it in illegal possession, dragging it on the ground, lifting it, and slamming it down. The STSF launched an investigation and identified the suspects as residents of Gartha village in Pichhore tehsil of Shivpuri district.
In a joint operation, the Shivpuri regional unit of the STSF and forest department personnel detained the accused, identified as Sukh Nandan Kewat and Gulai Singh.
Confession and Additional Offenses
During questioning, the duo allegedly confessed to attempting to electrocute the reptile in the Budhna River. They also admitted to using electric current to catch fish, a practice that officials note often harms crocodiles as well.
A forest offense case was registered on June 2 under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused were subsequently produced before a court in Pichhore.
Legal Consequences
Crocodiles are protected under Schedule-I of the Act, and offenses attract imprisonment ranging from three to seven years. The arrest underscores the authorities' commitment to protecting wildlife and curbing illegal activities that threaten endangered species.
