Has the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Dept official's mother been jailed for illegally possessing tiger hide?
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Synopsis
A shocking case has emerged from Jabalpur, where the mother of a tribal welfare official has been arrested for possessing a tiger hide. This incident not only raises eyebrows regarding wildlife laws but also connects to an ongoing corruption investigation involving her son. The implications of this case are far-reaching.
Key Takeaways
- Significant legal actions taken against wildlife crimes.
- Corruption probe linked to a public official.
- Importance of wildlife protection laws in India.
- Potential hidden assets in ongoing investigations.
- Community outrage over wildlife conservation issues.
Jabalpur, July 24 (NationPress) Following the discovery of a tiger hide at the residence of Deputy Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department, Jagdish Prasad Sarwate, the Economic Offences Wing of Madhya Pradesh (EOW) has arrested his mother, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.
The EOW officials found the tiger hide during a raid at their home in the Adhartal area of Jabalpur. This hide measures around 5 feet 5 inches in length and 5 feet 3 inches in width and has been transferred to the Forest Department.
Following the raid, a case was registered against Savitri Sarwate (70), as the residence where the tiger skin was located is under her name.
She has been charged under Sections 9 and 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which could lead to a maximum imprisonment of seven years.
On Wednesday, Forest Department officials interrogated her, resulting in her arrest.
During questioning, Savitri stated that her father-in-law had given her the tiger skin approximately 30 years ago for religious practices, although she could not explain how he acquired it.
Jabalpur DFO Rishi Shukla revealed that the confiscated tiger skin has been sent to the Nanaji Deshmukh Wildlife Institute for further examination.
This discovery adds a new twist to the existing corruption investigation surrounding Sarwate.
On July 22, the EOW conducted searches at several properties associated with him in Jabalpur, Bhopal, and Sagar.
The raids uncovered assets exceeding Rs 6.75 crore, while his reported income from legitimate sources is only Rs 1.56 crore.
For over 10 hours, EOW teams found 56 bottles of expensive liquor valued at Rs 1.8 lakh, 17 immovable assets worth Rs 3 crore, and 10 additional properties registered under his mother's name, raising suspicions of possible benami holdings.
Among the seized items were 17 property documents, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and the liquor bottles. Properties linked to Sarwate’s mother and brother are also being scrutinized.
Sarwate, who has held significant positions in Jabalpur and is currently responsible for the Pre-Examination Training Centre, is now under investigation for both corruption and wildlife protection violations.
Officials believe there may be additional assets hidden in bank lockers, which are still being investigated. The case has raised concerns among conservationists and public figures, with legal experts emphasizing that possession of a tiger skin, regardless of its age, is a serious wildlife offense.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the gravity of this situation. The arrest of Savitri Sarwate highlights the critical issues in wildlife protection laws and corruption within public service. The case exemplifies the need for stringent enforcement of regulations to deter illegal wildlife trade. Our commitment to conservation and ethical governance is paramount, and such incidents must be addressed to restore public trust.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of Savitri Sarwate?
Savitri Sarwate was arrested following the discovery of a tiger hide at her son’s residence during a raid by the Economic Offences Wing.
What are the charges against her?
She has been charged under Sections 9 and 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
What is the significance of the tiger hide discovery?
The discovery of the tiger hide is significant as it highlights ongoing wildlife conservation issues and links to a broader corruption investigation.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with officials searching for additional assets and examining the seized tiger skin.
How does this case impact wildlife conservation efforts?
This case raises awareness about illegal wildlife trade and the enforcement of protection laws, emphasizing the need for more stringent measures.
