By The Sampadak Express
In a shocking incident of wildlife poaching, a blackbuck was found dead with its throat slit near Girana-Kevdakhedi Road in Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh. Officials confirmed that a group of hunters had opened fire on a herd of the protected species, triggering alarm among local villagers.
The incident came to light on Sunday after villagers noticed suspicious activity in the area and promptly alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, teams from the Forest Department and Salaslai Police recovered the carcass of the blackbuck an animal listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and sent it for post-mortem examination in Shajapur.“
A case of illegal hunting has been reported. One blackbuck was found dead with its throat slit. The unidentified hunters fled the scene when confronted by villagers,” said an officer from Salaslai Police Station.
Lalit Upadhyay, Deputy Ranger and the investigating officer from the Forest Department, stated, “The blackbuck was found dead and was likely killed for poaching. We were informed by locals and have recovered the body. Further legal action will be taken based on the post-mortem findings.”
Following the incident, a large number of villagers gathered at the site, expressing outrage over the killing of the endangered animal.
The forest department has registered a case under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and launched a full-scale investigation. Efforts are underway to identify and trace the accused through eyewitness statements and surveillance footage from nearby areas.
Blackbucks, also known as Indian antelopes, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which ensures the highest level of protection. Any act of hunting or harming them is a serious punishable offence.
Authorities have assured strict action against those found guilty and reiterated their commitment to protecting wildlife in the region.
