Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A tiger skin was seized from the house of Jagdish Sarvate, deputy commissioner of Tribal Welfare Department in Jabalpur. Economic Offences Wing (EOW) team discovered the 30-year-old tiger skin during raids at his Adhartal residence on Wednesday.
The tiger skin was being used as a seat in Sarvate's house. Forest Department officials immediately seized the skin after being informed by EOW officers. A case has been registered against Jagdish Sarvate under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, specifically under sections 9 and 50, which carry punishment up to 12 years in jail and fine up to Rs 10 lakh.
The DFO confirmed that the accused deputy commissioner will soon be called for questioning regarding the illegal possession of protected wildlife material. Tigers are India's national animal and are fully protected under the Wildlife Act since 1972.
EOW conducted extensive raids at Sarvate's properties in Jabalpur, Bhopal and Sagar after complaints about his huge wealth. The investigation revealed assets worth nearly Rs 6 crores. The search operation lasted 32 hours with over 50 EOW members involved.
