Published 17:46 IST, October 23rd 2019
5 owls being delivered to occultist for sacrifice on Diwali saved
Fire rare owls, being delivered to an occultist for sacrifice during the auspicious night of Diwali, were saved by Ghaziabad Police
- India News
- 1 min read
Fire rare owls, worth an estimated Rs one crore and being delivered to an occultist for sacrifice during the auspicious night of Diwali, have been saved by Ghaziabad police.
The smugglers were taken into custody
The two men delivering the owls, one of India's most majestic birds, on a motorbike to the occultist, were arrested near Sector 5-6 culvert in Vaishali area, police said. The duo, identified by police as Sumit and Pradeep, had hidden the owls in a bucket.
On Diwali night, people worship goddess Lakshmi and occultist sacrifice her mount, the owl, in a rite that many believe will ward off bad luck and bring prosperity.
Superintendent of Police Maneesh Mishra said the owls have been handed over to the forest department and officials are trying to locate and arrest exorcists active in the area. The two bird smugglers have been sent jail.
Updated 17:56 IST, October 23rd 2019
