Four people have been arrested in western India after allegedly gang-raping a Bengal monitor lizard and filming the attack in a reserve. The video came to light while the individuals were under investigation for entering the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra without authorisation.
Video found on phone
Officials found footage of the alleged rape, believed to have occurred at Gothane village in Ratnagiri district, on the mobile phone of one of the accused. The four individuals were identified as Sandeep Tukaram Pawar, Mangesh Kamtekar, Akshay Kamtekar and Ramesh Ghag.
The forest official said they had originally been booked on March 31 for illegally entering Chandoli National Park, which is part of the reserve south of Mumbai, with one of them carrying a gun for hunting. Field director of the reserve, Nanasaheb Ladkat, said the four people have now been arrested under various sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, reports India news organisation The Hindu.
Released on bail
They have been released on bail after an initial custody stay, and have been asked to mark their presence every Monday before the forest officer probing the case. "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," he said.
"We have recovered all the related evidence from the accused and they were granted forest department custody initially, but are out on bail now."
Protected species
The Bengal monitor lizard, also known as the common Indian monitor, is a large, intelligent predatory reptile native to South and Southeast Asia. They can grow larger than 5ft and weigh up to 7.2kg. They are legally protected under national and international laws, but some hunters capture them for their meat, skin, and body parts.
Sentencing under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in India depends on the severity of the offence, the species of the animal involved, and whether it is a repeat violation. All species of monitor lizard in India are protected under this act and are classified as a 'Schedule I' species, which affords the highest protection, the same level as tigers and elephants.
