Kumbh's hub of illegal animal products

Sadhus are on a shopping spree at the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. And it’s not just rudraksh beads or silver moons or the like are on demand but tiger nails, snakeskins, deer horn and mongoose hair also.

Tantriks say these are charms that will protect them from ill omens.

Though the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, bans the sale and purchase of any part of wild animals, the law seems to have taken a back seat at the Kumbh.

When efforts were made to contact the administration, none of the officials were available for comment.

Meanwhile, the vendors selling the illegal animal products are doing brisk business.

Kumbh mela is the biggest converging point for the sadhus. But in the superstition bazaar at Kumbh, illegal animal products are selling like hot cakes.