Amreli: A 48-year-old man from Simran village in Savarkundla taluka was arrested for illegally possessing protected wildlife parts, including a blackbuck skin and two lion claws, which were allegedly being used in occult rituals.

Forest officials raided the home of the accused, Valji Matang, following a tip-off and seized the items. The accused claimed the items were over 20 years old and had been brought by his grandfather, but officials clarified that possession is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, regardless of age or intended use.

Matang has been booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and was produced before a local court on Friday. The court granted forest authorities three days of custodial interrogation to investigate the source of the items and any possible links to illegal wildlife trade. DeshGujarat