Pune, 5th November 2024: A jeweller in central Pune is in hot water for selling jewellery made from elephant hair, a clear violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The items in question have been handed over to the Maharashtra Forest Department’s Pune Division for further investigation.
The trouble started when a vigilant wildlife activist filed a complaint at the Vishrambaug Police Station, prompting authorities to take action against the owner of VR Ghodake Saraf.
In South India, it is a common belief that wearing elephant hair brings strength and protection, leading to a high demand for elephant hair jewellery like bracelets and rings. This demand has now found its way to Maharashtra, with Ghodake Saraf reportedly selling these items on Kumthekar Road, even going as far as advertising them on the radio.
Upon hearing one such advertisement, Aditya Paranjape, an honorary wildlife warden of Pune, decided to take matters into his own hands. He sent a decoy customer to purchase a ring from the shop, which was later confirmed to contain elephant hair. This discovery prompted Paranjape to file a formal complaint, resulting in a police raid on the shop where several elephant hair rings and bracelets were seized.
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