Delhi Zoo CCTV Footage Missing Amid Jackal Burning Allegations
Internal reports submitted to a probe officer reveal that crucial CCTV footage from the National Zoological Park in Delhi is missing. This development comes amid an investigation into allegations that a ranger killed a jackal by burning it alive inside a bear enclosure.
Key CCTV Footage Unavailable for Critical Period
Since December 5, at least 12 days of CCTV camera footage from key locations at the Delhi zoo are unavailable. The missing footage includes recordings from the Himalayan black bear enclosure. A jackal allegedly entered this area after escaping from its own enclosure.
The National Zoo Workers Union has claimed that during this period, a ranger killed the jackal by burning it alive inside the bear's burrow. This serious allegation has prompted a formal inquiry by zoo authorities.
Technical Report Cites Hard Disk Failure
According to a technical report submitted to the Joint Director of the zoo, several cameras went offline due to a hard disk failure. The report specifically mentions cameras covering the enclosure where the jackal is said to have entered an underground burrow.
The technical document states that from the morning of December 5, many cameras stopped functioning completely due to failure of lighting operations. The footage could not be retrieved because of rewinding technical issues.
At least 32 pan-tilt-zoom cameras remained non-functional until December 16. The zoo operates a total of 465 cameras, including dome and fixed cameras. A senior zoo official noted that such failures violate protocol and should have been addressed immediately upon detection.
Personnel Changes and Ongoing Investigation
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change removed the ranger from his position on Thursday. This officer was holding additional charge of ranges I and II and allegedly oversaw the operation to catch the jackal.
According to an official order, the officer will now officiate as the zoo curator. The animal veterinary officer, who works on a contractual basis, has been given additional charge of Range I. Meanwhile, the security supervisor will handle additional responsibilities for Range II until the inquiry concludes.
Union Demands Evidence Preservation
In a letter to the ministry earlier this week, the National Zoo Workers Union sought directions to preserve all CCTV footage from December 14 to 20. The union described this footage as vital electronic evidence for the investigation.
Another internal report, based on available footage of the Himalayan black bear enclosure, stated that no jackal was sighted there between December 16 and 18. On December 18, cameras allegedly recorded a cat-like creature and a peacock, but no jackal outside the bear's burrow.
The report also noted that around noon on that day, two staffers were seen taking away something. Sources within the zoo confirm that the inquiry remains ongoing. Investigators are recording statements from all personnel involved in enclosure-related activities during the relevant period.
Authorities have questioned a senior zoo official and approximately six daily-wage workers so far. The investigation continues to gather evidence and statements from those involved.
Background of the Incident
Last November, four jackals escaped from their enclosure at the Delhi zoo. While zoo authorities later stated that all animals were accounted for, the National Zoo Workers Union alleged that one jackal was unlawfully killed in December.
The union claims the animal died after entering the Himalayan black bear enclosure. These allegations prompted the Environment Ministry to order a formal probe into the incident. The missing CCTV footage now presents a significant challenge to investigators seeking to determine exactly what happened during those critical days in December.
