Biggest wildlife seizure in Gujarat: Over 40 suspected tiger skins, 133 claws recovered from temple near Rajpipla

The Gujarat Forest Department has seized more than 40 suspected tiger skins and 133 claws from a room at the Dharmeshwar Mahadev Temple near Rajpipla, describing it as the largest such recovery in the state so far. A case has been registered against an unidentified person, and an investigation is underway.

Recovery made during temple renovation

Officials said the seizure took place during renovation work at the temple following the death of its mahant (head priest), who passed away on July 7 last year. According to the Forest Department, trustees noticed a foul smell emanating from a first-floor room that had been used by the late mahant and informed the department in writing.

A Forest Department team visited the temple along with government witnesses and conducted a search of the room.

Skins and claws found in metal trunk

During the inspection, officials recovered an old metal trunk containing what appeared to be wildlife skins. On preliminary verification, the items were suspected to be tiger skins.

Range Forest Officer (RFO) Jignesh Soni said that around 37 complete skins were found, along with several fragments, taking the total number to more than 40 skins. Officials also recovered 133 claws from the trunk.

Given the scale and seriousness of the seizure, the Forest Department registered an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act against an unknown person and informed the state government, officials said.

Samples sent for forensic examination

All recovered skins and claws have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to establish whether they are genuine tiger parts or counterfeit.

Officials said that if the FSL confirms the skins to be those of a tiger, the investigation will be widened to identify individuals who were associated with the late mahant. “Strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible,” officials said.

Probe to extend beyond Gujarat

Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the deceased mahant was originally from Madhya Pradesh. Forest Department officials said the investigation is likely to be extended to his native place as part of efforts to trace the source of the wildlife parts.

Details of people who were in contact with the mahant and those who visited him frequently are also being collected as part of the probe.

Officials call it unprecedented in the state

Sources in the department said a detailed investigation is ongoing into the suspected tiger skins and claws. This is reportedly the first time such a large quantity of suspected tiger parts has been seized in Gujarat.

Officials reiterated that further action will depend on the forensic report, which will determine the authenticity of the seized items.