Mumbai: Spider named after slain policeman Tukaram Omble

The spider Icius tukarami and (right) slain hero cop Tukaram Omble

A Gujarat-based researcher Dhruv Prajapati and Mumbai-based Researcher Rajesh Sanap and team have discovered two species of spider in Maharashtra. One of the species was discovered from Thane and is also found in Aarey Milk Colony. It has been named Phintella cholkei. Another spider discovered from Thane has been named Icius tukarami, after slain policeman Tukaram Ombale, the cop who helped capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive.

People working in the field of wildlife conservation have welcomed the discovery. The discovery also points to the rich biodiversity found in Aarey colony and in Maharashtra.

Prajapati said, "Join me in introducing two new species of jumping spiders from Maharashtra. One of them has been named in honour of ASI Tukaram Omble, who caught terrorist Kasab alive and took 23 bullets in the process. It has been named Icius tukarami from Thane, Maharashtra."

Prajapati further tweeted, "The second new species is Phintella cholkei, in memory of a friend Kamlesh Cholke. This species is found in Thane and Aarey Milk Colony in Mumbai.