Rare star tortoises die in Andhra Pradesh temple fire, devotees demand justice
Several rare star tortoises were killed in a mysterious fire at the Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikurmam village. The tortoises are revered in the temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his rare 'Kurma' (tortoise) avatar.The star tortoises at the temple are believed to embody divine presence. For devotees, their presence within the temple grounds is a living connection to Vishnu's cosmic role in preserving balance and supporting creation. Their death under mysterious circumstances, therefore, was seen as a violation of sanctity.advertisementEyewitnesses claim that temple staff acted carelessly and without respect for the animals. Locals alleged this incident showed a complete failure on the part of the authorities to care for the sacred tortoises, which have been living at the temple for years as part of its spiritual identity.
According to reports, the tortoises were cremated behind the Executive Officer's (EO) office without following proper procedure. Wildlife protection laws require a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, especially in the case of endangered or rare species. Skipping this step raised suspicions among locals and devotees, who now fear that something is being hidden.As the outrage spread on social media and in the local community, calls for accountability were growing louder. Many demanded an official inquiry, strict action against those responsible, and better care and protection for the remaining tortoises at the temple.advertisementThe Indian Star Tortoise, native to parts of northwest and southeast India, is under growing threat from illegal trafficking, particularly for the exotic pet market. Its striking shell design makes it a sought-after species, but this popularity has put its survival at risk.Although not currently endangered, the tortoise is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, the species falls under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a category that offers minimal protection. Despite this legal status, the trade persists, driven by high demand and low enforcement.Must Watch
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