NGO Employee Accused of Aiding Leopard Poaching Ring

A conservation NGO employee is under investigation for allegedly joining poaching networks and facilitating the poaching of at least 10 leopards. Investigators suspect the employee used a false name to infiltrate these groups, purportedly to raise funds by posing as an informant. This development emerged from a probe into the seizure of leopard skins and the arrest of 11 suspected smugglers.

The investigation indicates that arrested poachers confessed to killing leopards in protected areas, allegedly lured by the NGO. Bhagwan Singh, a former Delhi Police employee hired by the NGO under the alias Salim, is accused of connecting with trap providers and local tribals for the poaching operations. Investigators claim to have strong digital evidence linking NGO co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan to the scheme.

Wildlife SOS has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a 'travesty of justice' and a move to 'vilify' their work. The organization questioned the potential consequences for informants if their assistance to law enforcement is misinterpreted. Meanwhile, authorities are pursuing further action, including a potential look-out notice for Satyanarayan, asserting that the motive behind the alleged poaching was fundraising.