While some attribute aphrodisiac qualities to the species, still others value the Bengal Monitor Lizard for its medicinal utilities. Whatever be the case, a bizarre act reported from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in Maharashtra has left all stunned.
According to the forest official, the ‘unnatural act’ came to light on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred at Gothane village in Ratnagiri district, came to light days after the four accused were booked for illegally entering Chandoli National Park, which is part of the reserve, with one of them carrying a gun for hunting, stated the official. The STR is spread over four districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri.
The accused have been identified as Sandeep Tukaram Pawar, Mangesh Kamtekar, Akshay Kamtekar and Ramesh Ghag.
“During the investigation, the forest officials found that the accused had allegedly raped a Bengal monitor lizard. Their act was also recorded in a mobile phone of one of the accused persons,” he said.
“We have recovered all evidence from the accused. They are out on bail now but have to mark their presence before the forest officer probing the case every Monday,” he added.
“The four accused have been booked under various sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972,” field director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR), Nanasaheb Ladkat, added.
