Traders jumbo scam exposed in Bihar

ILLEGAL BOOMING TRADE: Elephants are sold and bought illegally in the name of giving gifts.

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Sonepur: Despite the government's ban on sale and purchase of elephants, this endangered animal is being traded just like any other commodity at Asia's largest cattle fair in Sonepur, Bihar.

However, those trading in elephants have found an innovative way out to flaunt the rule.

They no more sell elephants, but traders gift elephants to each other. The money deal obviously is all under cover. More than 75 elephants are showcased for sale in the trade. Roughly, 75 of the elephants will get new owners and 25 have already been sold at the highest bid, a whopping 17 lakh rupees.

The prices fluctuate according to the new market trends. "I can’t confirm the price of the elephant I want to buy. The market is turning out to be unpredictable. However, the deal is going to be somewhere between Rs 8 to 17 lakh,” says Suresh Yadav, a buyer at the trade fair.

The trading in elephants at this nearly month-long fair at Sonepur in Bihar is rampant despite the fact that the animal has been listed as endangered and its sale or purchase is illegal.

Each elephant is sold for a different price tag. "The elephant built determines the price it is likely to be sold for,” says Jwala Singh, President, Elephant owner's association.

The fair, which sees nearly lakh visitors, from the country and outside every day, is a good source of revenue for the state.

“After all the investigations, if the elephant trade issue turns out to be true, then there will be measures to stop the activity,” says Ramchandra Sahani, Minister for forest, Government of Bihar.

Over two lakh animals are expected to change hands this time. The fair is also likely to be showcased at the forthcoming World Tourism Mart in London this year.

Its almost an open secret that many rare and banned species of animals are traded in this cattle fair, but government chooses not to act pro-actively.