South African animal rights group calls for probe into Ambani-owned Vantara
New Delhi: A coalition of South African animal rights organisations has urged the country’s environment ministry to investigate the export of wild animals to the Reliance-owned Vantara animal rehabilitation centre in Gujarat.
The 3,000-acre facility, located in Jamnagar, was inaugurated earlier this month by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), a coalition of 30 organisations, has written to South African Environment Minister Dion George, highlighting concerns about the transfer of various wildlife species to Vantara.
According to WAPFSA, these concerns were raised within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a global treaty regulating trade in endangered flora and fauna. The coalition noted that India's "potential non-compliance" was discussed at a CITES standing committee meeting in November 2023.
The facility has also faced criticism from animal rights groups over its location in a hot and arid region, which they argue may not be suitable for many of the species housed there. WAPFSA’s letter specifically questioned the export of leopards, cheetahs, tigers, and lions from South Africa to Vantara.
In July 2023, Vantara officials had informed the CITES secretariat that the centre had rescued animals from difficult conditions outside India and imported them from various countries. However, WAPFSA has rejected this explanation, citing concerns over the legality of the transactions and the methods used to obtain CITES documents.
The coalition also pointed out that a significant number of captive-bred animals in South African facilities could be traded for commercial purposes. It further alleged that lions and tigers may have been purchased from breeding centres in South Africa and warned that while their living conditions at Vantara may have improved, they could now be used for breeding and exploitation in animal nurseries outside the main zoo.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Singer B Praak gets death threat, caller demands Rs 10 crore
Chandigarh (PTI): An alleged member of the dreaded Lawrence Bishnoi gang has demanded Rs 10 crore from singer and music composer B Praak, and threatened to "bury him" if he does not pay the money in a week, according to Mohali police.
The threat message was received on Punjabi singer and B Praak's friend Dilnoor's phone. Dilnoor then lodged a complaint with the Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police.
In his complaint, Dilnoor said he received two missed calls from an international number on January 5. He again received a call on January 6, but disconnected it. Later, he received a voice message.
"This is Arzoo Bishnoi speaking. Convey a message to B Praak that we want Rs 10 crore.
"You have one week. No matter which country you go to, if anyone associated with him is found, we will cause harm. Do not take it as a fake call. If (he) cooperates, it is fine; otherwise, tell him we will bury him in dirt," the caller said in the unverified audio message.
Based on Dilnoor's complaint, an FIR has been registered under sections 308 (4) (extortion) and 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Sohana police station, police said.
They said the matter is under investigation.
B Praak is associated with Punjabi and Hindi music industries. He started his career as a music producer and later debuted as a singer with the song "Mann Bharrya" in 2020.
