Several rare star tortoises met a tragic end in a mysterious fire at the Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple in Srikurmam village, Andhra Pradesh. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his rare ‘Kurma’ (tortoise) avatar, has long been home to these tortoises, which are deeply revered by devotees.
For worshippers, the tortoises are believed to embody the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, serving as a living connection to his cosmic role in maintaining balance and supporting the creation of the universe. The untimely deaths of these sacred creatures have left the community in shock, with many seeing it as a violation of the temple's sanctity.
Eyewitnesses report that the temple staff displayed a lack of care and respect for the animals, with some locals accusing the authorities of failing in their duty to protect the tortoises, which had been part of the temple’s spiritual identity for many years.
The tortoises, considered an integral part of the temple's tradition, were not only living symbols of Vishnu’s divine presence but were also regarded with great reverence by the temple's visitors. This tragic event has raised serious concerns among the locals and devotees, who are questioning the temple's handling of the situation.
In a further disturbing development, reports suggest that the tortoises were cremated behind the Executive Officer’s (EO) office, bypassing the necessary procedures. Under wildlife protection laws, particularly in cases involving endangered or rare species, a post-mortem examination is required to determine the cause of death.
The failure to conduct such an examination has fueled suspicions among the community, with many fearing that the authorities may be concealing crucial information about the incident.
Also read: CPM forms new PB: Vijayan retained, Prakash, Brinda dropped
As news of the tragedy spread on social media and in the local community, calls for accountability intensified. Numerous individuals and groups have demanded an official inquiry into the matter, urging authorities to take strict action against those responsible.
There is also growing pressure for the temple to implement better measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining tortoises.
The Indian Star Tortoise, which is native to parts of northwest and southeast India, faces significant threats from illegal wildlife trafficking, particularly for the exotic pet trade. Its striking shell design has made it a highly sought-after species, but this demand has placed its survival in jeopardy.
Although the tortoise is not currently classified as endangered, it is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, it is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which offers some legal safeguards, though the protection is minimal compared to more endangered species.
Despite this legal protection, illegal trafficking continues to flourish, driven by high demand and lax enforcement of the laws.
Also Read: Kerala CM slams Centre over lack of crisis support
Follow us
