Doomdooma: During a naka-checking operation in Assam’s Sadiya on Saturday, police seized 22 dead parrots and an airgun, and later handed over two men along with the items to the Forest Department under wildlife protection laws.
The two men were identified as Kul Bahadur Pradhan, 24, a resident of Magar Basti in Sadiya, and Larjipong Dulong, 42, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh.
Police sources said they were intercepted during a naka-checking operation at Chapakhowa Chariali in Sadiya late on August 4.
According to police sources, the two men were allegedly transporting the dead parrots from Sadiya towards Roing in Arunachal Pradesh when they were stopped during the checking operation.
Police also seized an airgun from them.
Preliminary information available with the authorities suggests that the birds were allegedly hunted near Magar Basti along the Kundil River in Sadiya.
Further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances of the alleged hunting, the exact location and the species of the birds.
Dulong is reportedly an India Reserve Battalion (IRBN) personnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to sources. Both men were taken into custody after they were intercepted and were later handed over to the Forest Department on Saturday morning.
Sadiya Regional Forest Officer Lucky Dutta confirmed the handover and said the department had initiated the necessary process.
“Necessary action is being taken as per the applicable provisions of law. We appeal to everyone to stay away from hunting, killing or possessing wild birds and other wildlife. If anyone comes across such activities, they should immediately inform the Forest Department,” Dutta said.
Dutta said the Forest Department would examine the seized birds and other materials and establish the relevant facts before taking further action. The authorities are also expected to determine whether any offence under the applicable provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, has been committed.
The incident has drawn attention to the wildlife in Sadiya. The region falls under the Doomdooma Forest Division and Tinsukia Wildlife Division and has diverse wildlife habitats and birdlife.
The riverine areas, forests, wetlands and surrounding landscapes provide habitat for resident and migratory birds. The Kundil River and its adjoining areas are part of this ecological landscape.
The recovery of the dead parrots and an airgun during the checking operation has raised concerns about possible hunting activity in the area.
The Forest Department’s investigation is expected to establish the source of the birds, the circumstances in which they were allegedly killed and whether any other persons were involved.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, following the 2022 amendment, Schedule II contains protected species.