Two arrested, one absconding in killing of wildlife

MAHASAMUND,CG(INDIA): Incidents of wildlife hunting continue to trouble Mahasamund district, with a recent case highlighting the growing concern. On Monday, the deaths of a leopard and a forest buffalo were reported from the protected forest area under the Khallari range of Bagbahara Forest Division. In response, the Forest Department has taken swift action, arresting two individuals involved, while a third accused remains on the run.

During the investigation, forest officials discovered that the accused had earlier hunted a wild pig and cooked its meat. When the team raided the area, they recovered cooked pork, along with tools used in the hunting. Items seized included electric wires, glass bottles, an iron axe, wooden pegs, feathers from wild animals, and remains of rabbits and birds.

Ranger Loknath Dhruv of the Bagbahara Forest Zone identified the arrested individuals as Mukesh Rawat, 33, from Khallari village, and Manohar Yadav, 50, from Omkarband village. The third accused has been identified, and search efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.

The Forest Department has launched legal proceedings against the accused under the Indian Forest Act and is taking this matter seriously. Authorities have also begun awareness campaigns to educate local residents on the importance of wildlife protection.

There is growing concern and anger among villagers over repeated wildlife deaths. They have demanded strict punishment for those involved and urged the government to implement stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.