State of Maharashtra vs Four accused persons — Sahyadri Tiger Reserve incident

Updates

1. News17 Oct 2026

   Bengal monitor lizard allegedly gang-raped in Maharashtra forest; four held

   A video of the alleged gang-rape also found in one of the accused’s phone

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Four men allegedly sexually assaulted a Bengal monitor lizard inside a forest reserve.

   Who:

   The four accused persons and the State of Maharashtra.

   When:

   Reported on 17 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.

   Why:

   The men are accused of illegal acts against wildlife.

   What it means:

   The four accused have been arrested and will now face a formal legal process.

   The Hindu
2. News14 Apr 2022

   Four held for 'raping' Bengal monitor lizard in Maharashtra forest

   Four persons were arrested for allegedly raping a Bengal monitor lizard in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in Maharashtra, a forest official...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Four individuals were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a Bengal monitor lizard.

   Who:

   Four accused persons were arrested by the forest department.

   When:

   Reported on 14 Apr 2022.

   Where:

   Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.

   Why:

   The individuals were taken into custody following the alleged abuse of a wild animal.

   What it means:

   The arrest allows the forest department to begin a legal process against the accused individuals.

   The Times of India