In a joint crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, a 38-year-old astrologer was arrested on Wednesday from Faridabad’s Sector 8 for allegedly possessing and selling prohibited wildlife derivatives, including dried genitalia of monitor lizards (locally known as hatha jodi) and soft coral (indrajal).
The seized dried genitalia of monitor lizards (locally known as hatha jodi) and soft coral (indrajal). (HT PHOTO)
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The accused, identified as Yagya Dutt, was caught during a coordinated raid conducted by the Haryana Forest Department, Haryana Police, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Wildlife Trust of India, following a tip-off. Officials said Dutt operated out of an astrology office, where he sold wildlife products under the guise of spiritual remedies -- both in-person and through online platforms.
From his premises, the enforcement team recovered three pieces of monitor lizards genitalia and five pieces of soft coral. These items, often peddled in tantric and occult circles, originate from protected species. The monitor lizard, in particular, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which affords it the highest level of legal protection. Possession or trade of its body parts is a punishable offence.
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“This is a serious violation,” said RK Jangra, divisional forest officer, Gurugram. “The accused misused his profession to sell banned wildlife products disguised as spiritual aids.”
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“This is a serious violation,” said RK Jangra, divisional forest officer, Gurugram. “The accused misused his profession to sell banned wildlife products disguised as spiritual aids.”
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The operation was also witnessed by Gurugram-based environmentalist Vaishali Rana, who was invited by the WCCB as an independent legal observer. “There were price tags, packaging, and digital records showing commercial intent. Wildlife exploitation is being masked behind superstition,” she said.
Authorities also seized Dutt’s cellphone and digital data for forensic analysis to trace the supply network. A case has been registered at Sector 8 police station under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
If convicted, the accused could face a prison term of three to seven years and a fine of ₹10,000. Further investigation is underway to identify suppliers and buyers.
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“This case highlights the need for stronger awareness and strict monitoring. We are committed to cracking down on illegal wildlife trade,” said Jangra.
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest.
Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents.
Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure.
Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing.
Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity.
Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations.
Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling.
A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.
