Chandrapur: A suspected link to occult practices has surfaced in a recent turtle trafficking case in Chandrapur, prompting the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS) to demand action under the state’s Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act. The organisation has also flagged the possibility of exploitation of women and even human sacrifice, urging a deeper probe.The case came to light after forest officials from the Sawali range apprehended six individuals in the Sirsi beat area near Chichdoh while allegedly transporting turtles illegally for allegedly performing rituals. Acting on a tip-off, officials laid a trap and caught the accused while they were reportedly returning after performing black magic rituals. Two turtles and three motorcycles were seized during the operation.Of the six arrested, three have been remanded to extended forest custody, while the remaining three are in judicial custody. The accused have been identified as Gangadhar Burande (49), Moreshwar Devtale (38), Rajendra Diwase (52), Omdev Shinde (25), Hemchand Shende (28), and Dhawal Veladi (30).ABANS representatives Haribhau Pathode and Anil Dhahafainkar along with a delegation met SP Mumakka Sudarshan and submitted a detailed memorandum calling for stringent legal action and a thorough investigation into possible occult activities linked to the case.RFO Vinod Dhurve confirmed the rescued turtles have been released back into their habitat. He added the investigation is ongoing
