BJP leader and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the forest department in connection with an illegally operated snake venom extraction center in Khandarpur village, Roorkee. Gandhi, who is also the founder of People for Animals, has written to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Secretary, and ADG Vigilance demanding strict action. She has sought suspension and removal of the Haridwar DFO and SDO from the department.
The state government has asked the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) for a detailed report on the matter. On 10 September, a forest department team raided the center and seized 70 cobras and 16 Russell’s vipers. The license of the center had expired in December 2023, yet it continued to operate illegally.
In her letter, Maneka Gandhi alleged that prior complaints were made to Haridwar forest officials, but no action was taken. She further claimed that the operator fled with venom samples and related records after the raid. Calling it a case of deep-rooted corruption, Gandhi accused the officials of collusion with the operator and demanded an inquiry into the DFO’s assets along with immediate suspension.
