With Diwali approaching near, the demand for owls, red sand boa and turtles with 20 nails has increased once again as people are trying to secure these animals for use in Tantrik rituals said to bring great fortune to the person conducting the rituals.
Though the Forest Department officers claim to have declared a red-alert in the State, the strike by forest guards and subordinate forest staff has affected wildlife security and aided those trying to trap these creatures ahead of Diwali night considered conducive for occult practices.
Dr Abhishek Singh, chairman of the wildlife NGO Endangered Flora and Fauna on Earth Conservation Team (EFFECT) said that the demand for these creatures has increased ahead of Diwali due to the significance of these animals in some Tantrik rituals.
"Apart from those seeking owls to sacrifice ritually on Diwali night, there are some who want the owl simply to earn money from showing it to believers on Diwali night.
“Owls weighing more than 2.5 kg, with reddish eyes and ear tufts like the rock eagle owl and the brown wood owl are in high demand with people ready to pay exorbitant prices.
“I also got calls asking if I could get the owls in Malsi Deer Park for a couple of days after which the bird would be returned alive. The ongoing strike of forest guards has affected wildlife protection considering the information I received about some owls being trapped at Haldwani," he said.
Wildlife activists point out that apart from owls, the red sand boa and turtles with 20 nails are also in demand for ritual use.
There is a Vastu-based ‘misconception’ that a red sand boa in the home results in a drastic increase in the wealth of the home owner.
A chocolate brown coloured sand boa measuring at least 2.5 feet and weighing more than three kilograms can fetch a handsome price in the illicit market.
Additionally, turtles with 20 nails are very rare and some believe that using such a reptile in a Tantrik rite makes the person a millionaire because it is believed that moneywill rain down in the place wheresuch a reptile walks after being used in the rite.
However, the State Forest Department anti-poaching cell director SK Dutt said that measures are being taken to prevent wildlife crimes.
“We have declared a red-alert and to prevent the forest guards’ strike from detrimentally affecting wildlife protection, we also have a second line of staff for ensuring conservation,” he said.