One for snake videos, another for drug deals, say investigators after massive ganja seizure; Wildlife experts in Maharashtra have now demanded a thorough probe to determine whether the influencer was also involved in the illegal capture, supply or trafficking of snakes
Akash Jadhav, known online as ‘Sarpamitra Akash Jadhav’, seen handling a king cobra. Pic/By Special Arrangement
What appeared on social media as a feel-good story of wildlife rescue has taken a dark turn on the ground. Chhattisgarh Police on Friday busted a Rs 2.6 crore ganja trafficking racket under Operation Nishchay, allegedly led by a man who projected himself online as a snake rescuer and wildlife conservationist.
Wildlife experts in Maharashtra have now demanded a thorough probe to determine whether the influencer, known as ‘Sarpamitra Akash Jadhav’, was also involved in the illegal capture, supply or trafficking of snakes and other wild animals in the state.
Experts seek wider probe
Advocate Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare), told mid-day that the illegal exchange of snake species has been prevalent among certain “sarpamitras” and snake handlers for decades. “There has been information in the past about king cobras and other protected species being brought to Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, according to Forest Department sources,” Sharma said.
“It is no secret that wildlife trafficking has long been linked with other organised crimes such as narcotics, arms smuggling, hawala operations and underworld networks. These syndicates operate in a highly sophisticated and low-profile manner. There is an urgent need for a multi-jurisdictional task force with proper infrastructure and manpower to curb such crimes,” he added. Sharma said a detailed investigation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region would likely reveal more links and individuals involved.
Odisha angle flagged
Mumbai-based wildlife enthusiast Anand Mohite also called for an in-depth probe into possible wildlife trafficking. “I have spoken to senior police officials in Chhattisgarh and requested them to examine the king cobra trafficking angle as well. The ganja seized in this case was allegedly routed from Odisha, and king cobras are also reportedly trafficked from the same region,” Mohite said.
About the case
Police seized 520 kg of ganja and arrested nine persons from Odisha and Maharashtra, uncovering a well-organised supply chain that used multiple routes and local contacts to transport drugs across state borders.
The key accused, Akash Jadhav of Ahilyanagar district in Maharashtra, had built a large online following through snake rescue videos. Investigators allege that he played a central role in coordinating drug consignments being sent from Odisha to Maharashtra while maintaining a public image of wildlife conservation.
The case surfaced following specific intelligence inputs about a major drug shipment headed for Maharashtra. Acting on the tip-off, teams from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and Mahasamund district police intercepted the network, leading to the seizure of narcotics worth approximately Rs 2.6 crore.
Police said the racket had been active for at least a year and had moved several consignments during this period. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links.
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