Protected Monitor Lizard Slaughtered for Chakhna in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, three individuals have been detained by the forest department following a viral social media video. The footage depicted the men hunting a Bengal monitor lizard, a species protected under Schedule-1 of India's wildlife laws.

The incident took place in the Shyamgiri area of Bacheli forest range approximately two months before coming to light recently. The men caught the young monitor lizard, reportedly only three to four months old, subjected it to cruelty, and planned to consume it as 'chakhna' (a snack) with liquor.

Authorities were alerted when the video, uploaded from a social media account, gained traction. Forest officials and police traced and apprehended Hunga Oyam (30), Kosa Oyami (39), and Nandaram Oyami (36) in Khutepal village. The trio confessed to killing and consuming the reptile.

This event highlights a disturbing trend, as several cases of illegal hunting, including tigers, leopards, and Indian giant squirrels, have been reported in the district over the past four to five months. Investigations are ongoing, and legal action is being pursued under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.