Overview

• The accused was identified as Rupa Nayak, a resident of Asanbani village in Mayurbhanj district.
• Officials say he found a dead monitor lizard near the Banta area, took it home, cooked it, recorded the process, and posted the video to Facebook and YouTube.
• The video went viral, leading the Odisha Forest Department to take suo motu cognisance, remove the content from platforms, and detain him for questioning, during which he admitted to the act.
• He was booked under Sections 2(16)(a)(b), 9, 39(1)(b), 48(a)(b) and 50(1) of the Wildlife Protection Act, with the case registered under the Thakurmunda Forest Range and the accused produced in court.
• Forest officials say the species is protected under Schedule I, with violations punishable by up to seven years in prison and heavy fines.