Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig):
A serious case of violation of wildlife laws has come to light in the Moharli Forest Range, which falls under the buffer zone of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
On March 28, 2026, at around 11:30 AM, two accused persons were found catching and cooking a protected species of turtle, the Indian Flap Shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata), at the fishing ghat area of Irai Dam, located in Mauza Bhamdeli under the Sitarampeth Beat of Moharli Forest Range.
The accused have been identified as:
Mrs. Jyoti Shailesh Ghantasala (35 years)
Mr. Shailesh Somanadri Ghantasala (38 years)
Residents of Kaikaluru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.
The action was carried out by Forest Guard Surendra Mangam and Forest Assistant Sanjay Jumde (Moharli). A forest offense has been registered under Case No. 09643/241056 dated 28/03/2026 under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Further investigation is being conducted by Forest Range Officer Mr. Santosh Thipe (Moharli) under the guidance of Deputy Director (Buffer) Mr. Kushagra Pathak.
According to information received from the Forest Department, there had been reports from wildlife enthusiasts about illegal hunting of turtles in the area over the past few days. Acting on this input, the department kept a close watch and carried out this operation.
It has also come to light that some individuals engage in such acts due to superstition, believing that sacrificing turtles or performing rituals on them can bring luck, wealth, or physical strength.
The Forest Department has appealed to citizens to understand that protecting wildlife is a collective responsibility. People are urged to stay away from such illegal activities and immediately inform authorities if they witness any crime against wildlife.
