I-T Searches In MP's Sagar: Forest Team Rescues Two Crocodiles From Ex-MLA’s Premises

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A team of forest department rescued two crocodiles from a pond situated on the residential premises of ex-BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore in Sagar on Friday.

The rescue operation will continue on Saturday as there are two more crocodiles in the pond. Action under the Wildlife Act is likely to be taken in this connection. 

So far, no case has been registered as the authorities at the forest department want to ascertain the actual ownership of the pond from where the crocodiles were found. For the same the authorities are going to examine the property documents.

It is learnt that Rathore has told the forest team that the pond from where crocodiles were rescued is a temple area. DFO North Sagar, Chandrashekar told Free Press that the two rescued crocodiles will be released into Nauradehi Sanctuary after ascertaining their species and health check up.

Moreover, it will be seen if due permission was granted for keeping the crocodiles in the pond. The ownership of the pond will be also established to fix the accountability for keeping the wild animal, the official said.

On being asked if any other wild animals were found on the premises of Rathore, the DFO answered in negative. The former MLA Rathore could not be contacted for comment on the issue as his mobile phone was switched off.  

Notably, Income-Tax department officials conducted searches at the ex-MLA’s house in connection with tax evasion a few days back. The officials found two crocodiles on the premises and on Friday the forest department was alerted about the same.