Odisha’s Wildlife Society Demands PMLA Case Against Snake Rescuers & Animal Performers

By OB Bureau On Mar 30, 2024

Bhubaneswar: The Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO) has written to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) Odisha demanding strict action against snake rescuers and animal performers who display and use protected species for performances which are uploaded on YouTube and Facebook.

In the letter written by WSO secretary Biswajit Mohanty, the organisation has sought that Enforcement Directorate (ED) be handed over such cases for investigation under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

For years, WSO has been asking for strict action against such snake rescuers and animal performers as these videos have wide viewership and bring in lakhs of rupees as advertisement revenues for such offenders.

Stating that these are scheduled offences under the PMLA, WSO has said all proceeds of crime, that is money earned by them and assets acquired with such funds, are liable for seizure and confiscation.

“We draw your attention to the provisions of section 2(1) (y) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 wherein action can be taken to confiscate the proceeds of crime as listed in Part A of the Schedule to the Act. Offences under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972 are listed in paragraph 6 of Part A of the Schedule. Hence, proceeds earned from such crime and assets created out of them like house, land, car, gold, shares, etc. can be confiscated under the PMLA Act,2002,” Mohanty wrote.

“We request you to hand over such cases to the Enforcement Directorate, Bhubaneswar for appropriate enquiry under the PMLA,2002 and attach the derived moneys and assets of these offenders,” the letter further said.

The Forest Department recently arrested some of these offenders from Jajpur and Bhadrak, and filed cases under WPA, 1972. WSO welcomed the action, though belated.

“We appreciate your recent orders to the Divisions to strictly enforce provisions of the WPA,1972 to ensure all such offenders who keep captive wildlife and post photos of performances with them or of display of rescued snakes are booked under the law. Following this order and action by the department many videos on YouTube and Facebook have been deleted by the culprits apart from the Social Media platforms themselves. This is a good consequence of your action for which are truly grateful,” Mohanty’s letter stated.