Baripada: A YouTuber from Mayurbhanj district has been arrested after a video showing him butchering and cooking the meat of a monitor lizard, a protected and endangered species, went viral on social media.
The accused, Rupa Nayak of Asanabani village under the Champajhar section of the Thakurmunda forest range, reportedly found the reptile dead by the roadside near Banta while returning from his in-laws’ house in Bhadrak. He then carried it home, cut and cooked the meat, and filmed the entire process.
Nayak uploaded the video on Facebook, where it drew widespread attention. On August 18, after the video was highlighted in news broadcasts, the Forest Department launched a suo motu investigation and registered a case.
During interrogation, Nayak admitted to the act. He was subsequently arrested under multiple provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including Sections 2(16)(a)(b), 9, 39(1)(b), 48(a)(b), 50(1), and E(c). The case has been registered as Case No. 68 under the Thakurmunda forest range.
Officials have reiterated that hunting, harming, or consuming any endangered species is a serious offence punishable with imprisonment and fines.
