Bhubaneswar- In a strong response to a viral video allegedly showing the mistreatment of a protected turtle species, wildlife activist Subhendu Mallik has filed a formal complaint with the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha. He has called for immediate action against the YouTuber responsible for the video, demanding that the content be removed from all platforms without delay and that the person behind it be identified and punished according to the law.
According to a complaint filed by Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary of Snake Helpline, the video shows an Indian Flapshell Turtle (a Schedule I protected species) with a painted image of Lord Jagannath on its back. The turtle is later seen being released into water. The video has since gone viral, prompting public backlash and condemnation from animal lovers.
The video, which sparked outrage among nature lovers, reportedly features the Indian Flapshell Turtle—a species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. As per the Act, any harm or exploitation of such protected animals is a serious criminal offence, carrying a punishment of up to seven years imprisonment, a fine of Rs1 lakh, or both.
In addition to reaching out to the state’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Mallik has also forwarded a copy of the complaint to the Additional Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to push for a deeper investigation at the national level.
The incident has reignited conversations around digital responsibility and the urgent need to protect wildlife from becoming content for views and likes.
