Bargarh: Two youths were arrested by Bargarh Forest Department officials for painting an image of Lord Jagannath on the shell of a turtle, a protected species under the Indian wildlife law. The accused were apprehended from the Bijepur area and have been produced in court.

According to officials, after painting the image on the turtle’s shell, the duo recorded a video and posted it as a reel on their Facebook account.

Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary of Snake Helpline, filed a formal complaint, stating the video showed an Indian Flapshell Turtle — a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 — with a religious image painted on its back. The turtle was later seen being released into a waterbody.

Mallik submitted the complaint to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha, demanding immediate action against the accused. He also called for the viral video to be taken down and for strict legal action to be initiated.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, any harm or misuse of Schedule I species—such as the Indian Flapshell Turtle—is a grave offense, punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment, a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.

A copy of the complaint has also been forwarded to the Additional Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau for further investigation.