"Wildlife SOS will fully cooperate": Kartick Satyanarayan appears before Madhya Pradesh authorities
Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan undergoes 9-hour interrogation in Madhya Pradesh regarding alleged leopard skin smuggling.
In a significant development regarding the alleged leopard poaching and skin smuggling scandal, Wildlife SOS co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan appeared before forest authorities in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, Satyanarayan underwent an intensive interrogation lasting over nine hours in connection with a wildlife trafficking investigation.
Nine-hour interrogation in Madhya Pradesh
The questioning was conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the State Tiger Strike Force (STSF). The investigation was triggered after leopard skins were seized in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, leading investigators to look into potential links with various individuals and organisations. Satyanarayan’s name surfaced during the probe after two suspects arrested in the case reportedly named him during their questioning.
The legal proceedings follow a series of developments, including a Supreme Court order on September 21 that directed Satyanarayan to appear before the authorities. This came after the Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously withdrawn interim protection from arrest that had been granted to him.
"We are absolutely innocent," says Satyanarayan
After the lengthy session, which lasted from 11 am until 8:30 pm, Satyanarayan addressed the media to assert his innocence. He maintained that both he and his organisation are dedicated to the protection of wildlife and are not involved in illegal activities.
"We are absolutely innocent and we completely believe in the truth. We know that the truth will come out. Our purpose is to assist the Forest Department... to catch wildlife traffickers and protect wildlife," Satyanarayan stated.
He emphasized that his life's work for the past 30 to 35 years has been entirely dedicated to wildlife conservation. He described the Forest Department as "family" and reiterated his commitment to providing them with any necessary assistance to combat poaching.
Allegations of conspiracy and misunderstanding
When questioned about allegations reportedly raised by an employee of his NGO, Satyanarayan suggested that the situation was the result of a "conspiracy" or a significant "confusion and misunderstanding." While he declined to name specific individuals he believed were behind the allegations, he insisted that he had come forward to clear the air.
Investigators have been examining several angles in this case, including:
- The recovery of leopard skins in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- The claims made by suspects currently in custody.
- Allegations that the NGO's anti-poaching operations might have been used to stage seizures to enhance its conservation profile.
Satyanarayan denied these claims, stating that he has nothing to hide and will continue to appear before the authorities whenever required to ensure the investigation reaches a truthful conclusion.