Four Men Have Been Accused Of Gang-Raping, Killing, Cooking And Eating A Lizard

Four men in India have been accused of gang-raping, killing, cooking and then eating a monitor lizard.

The quartet was allegedly captured entering the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in the state of Maharashtra on animal camera traps that are designed to discreetly monitor movement in the jungle.

Authorities arrested the men over the course of five days and they were initially taken into custody for illegally entering Chandoli National Park, according to The Hindu.

However, detectives were reportedly horrified when they went through their mobile phones.

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A national park official is quoted in local media saying: "During the investigation, the forest officials found that the accused had allegedly raped a Bengal monitor lizard.

"Their act was also recorded in a mobile phone of one of the accused persons.

"We have recovered all the related evidence from the accused and they were granted forest department custody initially, but are out on bail now.

The official added: "The four accused have been booked under various sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972."

Monitor lizards are not only endangered in India but they are also a protected species under federal law.

People who interfere with the animal can be sent to jail for up to seven years.

The alleged crime has shocked officials.

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Division forest officer Vishal Mali told VICE World News: “I have never seen a crime like this before.

"The men are in their 20s and 30s, and they appear to have done it for fun. There was no religious or black magic agenda.” 

Mali added: "Not only is this cruel, but there is a risk of zoonotic diseases from this kind of case. There are concerns of men carrying STDs and other infections from their act."

Monitor lizard meat is eaten in some parts of the world and poachers have targeted the reptile for their meat.

Two years ago, it was feared monitor lizards would be wiped out in Goa due to the high rates of poaching.

Not only is the lizard's meat popular, but its blood and oil is also highly sought after.

According to The Times of India, monitor lizard blood 'is used as a traditional cure for asthma', while 'oil is extracted from the lungs, which is used in treating wounds and cuts, as well as a massage oil for strengthening bones'.

Authorities have tried to combat the killing of monitor lizards with public information campaigns that try to explain the 'ecological importance' of the reptile.