A YouTuber was arrested in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district for allegedly cooking the meat of a uncommon and guarded reptile species, the monitor lizard, and importing its video on social media. The accused was recognized as Roop Nayak, a resident of Asanabani village in Mayurbhanj.

In accordance with officers, Nayak was getting back from his in-laws’ place in Bhadrak when he noticed a lifeless monitor lizard by the roadside close to the Banta space. He took it residence, lower and cooked it, and recorded your complete course of on video earlier than importing it on social media.

VIDEO TRIGGERS OUTRAGE

The video shortly went viral, sparking outrage on social media. The Forest Division registered a case and started an investigation.

Throughout questioning, Nayak admitted to his actions, following which he was arrested underneath a number of sections of the Wildlife Safety Act, 1972.

‘SERIOUS OFFENCE,’ SAY OFFICIALS

A forest official stated the matter got here to gentle via social media. “Throughout interrogation, Roop Nayak instructed us that he had gone to his in-laws’ place together with his spouse. On the best way again, he noticed a lifeless monitor lizard round two kilometres from Banta Chowk and carried it residence,” the official stated.

“As a YouTuber, he made a video of him cooking its meat to advertise his channel and earn cash, which is a severe offence. A case has been registered, and he has been forwarded to courtroom,” he added.

Forest officers clarified that searching, killing, or consuming any protected or endangered species is a severe crime underneath the legislation, punishable by each imprisonment and fines.

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