New Delhi: The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has launched a detailed investigation into an alleged nexus between a Delhi-based wildlife conservation organisation and a poaching network following the seizure of 10 leopard skins. The case came to light on July 23 when four suspected poachers were arrested on the Gwalior-Agra highway while allegedly carrying the leopard skins. According to the investigation, two of the suspects were reportedly linked to Wildlife SOS, which had initially claimed credit for the seizure through its Forest Watch unit. Investigators are examining allegations that the suspects, identified as trader Bhagwan Singh alias Salim and his associate Wasim, were associated with the organisation. Singh is reportedly stated to have been working with the NGO for several years.
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The STSF is also examining digital evidence related to allegations that enforcement operations may have been deliberately staged to project anti-poaching successes. Investigators have reportedly found evidence concerning the movement of an NGO vehicle in forest areas of Shivpuri and Morena and the alleged distribution of leg-hold traps to local hunters. During the investigation, authorities reportedly recovered three leg-hold traps allegedly sourced from Haryana. Several sites containing buried leopard remains were also discovered in the Shivpuri and Morena forests. The remains have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India for DNA analysis. Investigators are also examining the alleged presence of the two suspects during a 2023 wildlife seizure in Tamil Nadu’s Sathyamangalam forest, which Wildlife SOS had reportedly claimed credit for.
The STSF has issued a notice to Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan to appear before investigators. Madhya Pradesh Chief Wildlife Warden Sameeta Rajoura said the state department is coordinating with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to strengthen surveillance and investigate possible wildlife-trafficking links. Authorities are also reviewing the organisation’s existing arrangements with state governments, including a pending memorandum of understanding for a bear rescue centre in Bhopal. The allegations remain under investigation, and the findings of the probe will determine the extent of any criminal or regulatory violations.
