BELAGAVI: A police raid on a “haunted house” in the heart of Belagavi city has led to the discovery of a huge stash of ivory, horns, nails and skin of animals, worth crores of rupees.
Acting on specific information, the CCIB police on Tuesday raided the house at Shettigalli in Market police station limits.
Saleem Chamadewale, who is behind the smuggling racket, has been arrested. Police said that Chamadewale spread the story that the house, which is close to his residence, was haunted and discouraged people from going near it.
The police team was also dissuaded by locals from entering the house initially. Following the raid, two pairs of ivory, dozens of skins of tiger, lion, deer and leopard, deer horns, pangolin scales, and nails of tiger and lions were recovered. Mrihal said their exact value is yet to be ascertained but said it could run into several crores.
Police revealed that Chamadewale used to supply the items to China, Gulf countries and Vietnam via Goa. Police said Chamadewale’s family was also involved in vehicle theft cases. ACP Shankar Marihal said a few members of Chamadewale’s family have been detained to ascertain the reach of their business. illegal wildlife trade