Two more crocodiles rescued from bungalow of former BJP MLA: Forest official

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department learned about the crocodiles and other exotic birds at the residence of former BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore following an Income Tax (IT) raid on Sunday at the homes of bidi and construction businessman Rajesh Kesharwani and Rathore in Sagar.

“Income Tax official raided at the premises of Harvansh Singh. They informed us about the presence of crocodiles. The team reached Rathore’s bungalow in the evening and rescued two crocodiles from a pond. There are chances of presence of more crocodiles in the pond. The water will be pumped out on Saturday to clear the suspicion,” said an official requesting anonymity.

The IT department reportedly has uncovered tax evasion amounting to approximately Rs150 crore.

Officials said a significant amount of gold and cash was found at the residences of Rathore's brother and relatives, who are partners in the business.

A forest team, led by divisional forest officer (DFO) Chandrashekhar Singh, raided Rathore's premises on Friday evening.

They rescued two crocodiles initially, while two more were recovered from the pond on Saturday after the water was pumped out.

“All four crocodiles were released into a river in the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary after a medical check-up. The crocodiles are estimated to be 8–10 years old,” said DFO Chandrashekhar Singh.

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However, a close aide of Rathore said the pond is located at the adjoining to a temple which was donated a few years ago.

“Even, the family wrote to forest department about the crocodile in the pond in 2014, the forest department didn’t act,” he added.