Odisha YouTuber cooks protected monitor lizard meat, posts video online; arrested

A YouTuber was arrested in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district for allegedly cooking the meat of a rare and protected reptile species, the monitor lizard, and uploading its video on social media. The accused was identified as Roop Nayak, a resident of Asanabani village in Mayurbhanj.

According to officials, Nayak was returning from his in-laws’ place in Bhadrak when he spotted a dead monitor lizard by the roadside near the Banta area. He took it home, cut and cooked it, and recorded the entire process on video before uploading it on social media.

VIDEO TRIGGERS OUTRAGE

The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage on social media. The Forest Department registered a case and began an investigation.

During questioning, Nayak admitted to his actions, following which he was arrested under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

‘SERIOUS OFFENCE,’ SAY OFFICIALS

A forest official said the matter came to light through social media. "During interrogation, Roop Nayak told us that he had gone to his in-laws’ place with his wife. On the way back, he spotted a dead monitor lizard around two kilometres from Banta Chowk and carried it home," the official said.

"As a YouTuber, he made a video of him cooking its meat to promote his channel and earn money, which is a serious offence. A case has been registered, and he has been forwarded to court,” he added.

Forest officials clarified that hunting, killing, or consuming any protected or endangered species is a serious crime under the law, punishable by both imprisonment and fines.

- Ends