Pune Jeweller Booked For Selling Jewellery With Elephant Hair, Violating Wildlife Act

Pune, 5th November 2024: A jeweller in central Pune is facing legal charges for selling and possessing jewellery made from elephant hair, which violates the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The confiscated items have been sent to the Maharashtra Forest Department’s Pune Division for further investigation.

A wildlife activist lodged a complaint at Vishrambaug Police Station, leading to a case being registered against the owner of VR Ghodake Saraf.

In South India, it is traditionally believed that wearing elephant hair provides strength and protection, creating a high demand for elephant hair bracelets and rings in the region. Recently, this demand has extended to Maharashtra. Jewellery containing elephant hair was reportedly being sold at Ghodake Saraf on Kumthekar Road, with radio advertisements promoting these items.

After hearing one such advertisement, Aditya Paranjape (42), honorary wildlife warden of Pune, sent a decoy customer to purchase a ring, which was confirmed to contain elephant hair. Following this, Paranjape filed a formal complaint, resulting in a police raid on the shop, where several rings and bracelets made using elephant hair were seized.