MP temple priest arrested for selling medicine, talismans made from animal parts

The priest had created an online market for himself in the US, Malaysia, Germany, and Australia among other nations, promising that his products increased one’s vitality.

A temple priest in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone was arrested by a team of officials led by Delhi-based Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in connection with online trading of wild animal parts and preparing medicines from them.

The priest was selling ‘traditional’ medicine made from animal parts, as well as Talismans through his online store. (Screengrab)

The priest identified as Lokesh Jagirdar used to prepare drugs (traditional medicine) and talismans from animal parts by employing black magic methods and sold them globally through online modes, promising customers an increase in their vitality, a forest official said on Saturday.

Jagirdar was arrested on Friday and was produced in a local court which sent him to two days police remand, assistant prosecution officer Amrendra Kumar Tiwari said.

As per the preliminary probe, Jagirdar used to sell his products online in the US, Malaysia, Germany and Australia among others, deputy divisional forest officer, AK Solanki said.

The priest was arrested in a joint operation by WCCB, STF and forest officials, he said.

The team also seized a sizable number of wildlife parts from his possession.

He was arrested under relevant sections of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the official added.