Dhamtari Wildlife Crime: Five Arrested for Hunting Protected Wildlife, Sent to 14 Days’ Judicial Custody
Raipur: The Forest Department has arrested five persons for allegedly hunting protected wildlife in a reserved forest under the Birgudi Range of the Dhamtari Forest Division. The accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to 14 days’ judicial custody.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap has directed officials to take strict action against wildlife offences and ensure rigorous enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
According to officials, the incident occurred on July 4 in the Khairbhari Beat of the reserved forest under the Birgudi Range. The accused, all residents of Bhansuli village in Narharpur tehsil of Kanker district, allegedly hunted three Indian rat snakes (locally known as Dhaman) and one monitor lizard. They reportedly took the animals to one of the accused’s houses, cut them into pieces, and consumed the meat.
Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team comprising officials from the Dhamtari and Kanker Forest Divisions, the Flying Squad, and the Anti-Poaching Unit conducted a raid. During questioning, the accused confessed to the offence, leading to their arrest.
The Forest Department has registered a case against the accused under various provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Nagri, who remanded them to 14 days’ judicial custody.
The department said the investigation is ongoing and warned that hunting, illegal possession, or trade of protected wildlife is a serious offence punishable with three to seven years of imprisonment, along with monetary fines. Officials have also appealed to the public to report any incidents of poaching or wildlife-related crimes to help protect biodiversity.
