Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : Man arrested in Sirmaur for hunting Schedule I protected species
Acting on secret intelligence inputs, the Forest Department on Monday arrested a man for illegally hunting a Schedule I protected wild animal in the Paonta Sahib area of Sirmaur district.
Acting on secret intelligence inputs, the Forest Department on Monday arrested a man for illegally hunting a Schedule I protected wild animal in the Paonta Sahib area of Sirmaur district.
The accused has been identified as Darshan Lal (43), a resident of Kishankot village under Gram Panchayat Ajoli. During a search operation led by the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Paonta Sahib, officials recovered meat of the Northern Red Muntjac (locally known as kakkad) from the accused’s premises.
Forest officials also seized a double-barrel rifle, live cartridges, knives, a meat cleaver and other items allegedly used in the offence. The accused was reportedly found chopping the meat, allegedly with the intention of selling it.
Officials said Darshan Lal possessed a licensed firearm issued strictly for crop protection, but he allegedly misused the weapon by carrying it into a forest area and hunting a protected animal, a serious violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Confirming the arrest, ACF Paonta Sahib Aditya Sharma said, “The Northern Red Muntjac is a Schedule I species and enjoys the highest level of legal protection. Misuse of licensed weapons and any offence against wildlife will be dealt with strictly, without leniency.”
The accused has been booked under Section 9 (hunting) read with Sections 2(16) and 49B, punishable under Section 51 of the Act. All incriminating articles have been seized and the accused has been taken into custody. He will be produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.
The Forest Department has appealed to the public to share information to help curb illegal hunting and wildlife trade.
