Why theft of specimens from the university museum?

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Sachin Nikam and Rahul Wadmare have alleged that various animal and bird remains from the zoology department museum at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (Bamu) is being stolen and misused for superstition and black magic. A formal complaint has been submitted to the university administration.

According to the complaint, the department’s museum preserves animal and bird remains and bones for student study. Some of these specimens are valuable and fetch high prices in the black market, leading to claims of theft. The complaint specifically mentions that the talons of owls and parts of peacocks are missing. The complainants have demanded a full investigation, verification of all preserved specimens, examination of CCTV footage, entry records, security staff, and responsible departmental officers, and strict action against those found guilty. The complaint bears the signatures of Sachin and Rahul.

University response: No theft reported

The university administration has stated that no items from the zoology museum have been stolen; all specimens are intact and in place. The department has suggested that the theft allegations were made with the intent of tarnishing its reputation.