Ludhiana: Superstition has a legal price. A local businessman who kept three river turtles for “good fortune” to his eatery has instead found himself under arrest for violating wildlife protection laws. Wildlife officials and local police took Inderjit Singh, owner of a food joint in Kunal Colony, Mundian Kalan, into custody following a raid. Authorities recovered two Indian roofed turtles and one Indian tent turtle from an aquarium on the premises — species strictly protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. The investigators claim that Inderjit Singh has admitted to sourcing the reptiles after being told they would bring prosperity to his business. He allegedly travelled to the banks of the Satluj river and paid an unidentified man ₹2,000 to procure the reptiles.“The accused stated that someone advised him keeping turtles would bring luck,” said Sub-Inspector Dalvir Singh, SHO at Jamalpur police station. “We are working to trace the individual who supplied the turtles from the river.” The case was brought to light by Sahil Sharma, an environmentalist from Rajpura, who claimed local authorities were slow to act, initially. The matter gained momentum only after Sharma contacted high-profile politician and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi, prompting quick intervention from wildlife officials.Narinder Singh, a wildlife range officer, has emphasised that the seized species are protected and legal ownership in private aquariums is prohibited. Inderjit Singh faces multiple charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, specifically Sections 9, 39, 40, 51, and 57, which cover the hunting, possession, and custody of protected wildlife. While the turtles have been moved to a wildlife facility, the eatery owner remains under investigation as police verify his claims regarding the source of the animals.
