Vadodara: The Forest Department arrested an individual living near Padra railway station after wildlife remains and live animals were found in his possession. The raid was carried out on the evening of October 18 after the Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) received a tip-off that the man was planning to perform rituals on the occasion of Kali Chaudas.

According to GSPCA activist Rameshbhai, the information was immediately shared with the Vadodara Forest Department, which coordinated with the Padra range team as the area fell under their jurisdiction. Acting on the tip, the team raided the residence of the accused, identified as Kalidas. During the search, officials recovered two deer antlers, a leopard claw, remains of a snake, and parts of other wild animals. They also seized two live tortoises from the house. The Forest Department detained Kalidas and seized all the items for investigation.

During interrogation, Kalidas reportedly claimed that the wildlife items were given to him by a Girnari Bapu (a religious ascetic from Girnar) who had once stayed with him. He alleged that the ascetic told him keeping these items would protect him from black magic and the evil eye, denying any use of the materials for occult rituals.

Forest officials are verifying his claims and have initiated legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act. DeshGujarat