The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has found itself in a complex situation after seizing four crocodiles from a pond within the residential premises of former BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore. The pond is maintained by the Kailash Mandir Trust, located on Rathore’s property, leading to questions about accountability. While the forest department has filed a Primary Offense Report (POR) against the trust, it has not yet implicated the Rathore family, despite the temple being situated within their bungalow’s boundaries.
The Rathore family claims they requested the removal of the crocodiles as early as 2014, but no action was taken by the department. They also assert that the temple portion of the property was legally transferred to the trust two decades ago. However, local residents report that crocodiles have been seen at Rathore’s property for nearly four decades, and there is no natural waterway connecting the pond to the outside, suggesting they were introduced intentionally. Keeping crocodiles without authorization is a violation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The situation came to light during Income Tax (I-T) raids targeting Rathore’s brother and relatives, who are associated with businessman Rajesh Kesharwani in a ₹150 crore tax evasion racket. Gold, cash, and documents related to benami properties were seized, revealing assets worth over ₹200 crore. Investigations are ongoing, and forest officials are seeking legal advice on the matter. Meanwhile, Harvansh Singh Rathore, a former MLA from Banda in Sagar district and a candidate for BJP District President, finds himself under increasing scrutiny.
