In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, the Nawabganj police in Prayagraj apprehended seven individuals on Tuesday for allegedly hunting and killing a nilgai, a protected antelope species. The incident occurred near the Bhairo Baba Kachar area in Nawabganj.
The Arrests and Seizures
The police team took swift action, leading to the arrest of the accused. The arrested persons have been identified as Mohd Azhar Seikh (26), Faiz Farooqi (29), Athar Farooqi (29), Mohd Mariz (19), Sarwar Alam (34), Mohd Nafees (48), and Gayasuddin (34). Reports indicate they are residents of Hathagaon in Pratapgarh and Mumbai.
During the arrest, authorities confiscated a substantial cache of items from the group's possession. The seized materials include:
- One axe
- Four knives
- One 0.12 bore double-barrel rifle with five cartridges
- Two crude bombs
- An SUV
Investigating officers confirmed that the double-barrel rifle was a licensed weapon owned by one of the accused, Azhar Seikh.
Charges and Legal Action
The police have registered a strong case against the seven accused, invoking multiple sections of stringent laws. They have been booked under section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), section 9/51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Additionally, charges under section 4/25/27 of the Arms Act and section 4/5 of the Explosive Substances Act have been slapped against them.
The primary allegation is that the group killed the nilgai and took its meat, presumably for consumption or a party, which is a serious offence under Indian wildlife protection statutes. The nilgai, or blue bull, is protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, and hunting it is illegal.
Broader Implications
This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife poaching and the illegal use of firearms in rural and forest-adjacent areas. The seizure of crude bombs alongside hunting weapons raises additional concerns about public safety and the potential for other criminal activities.
The Prayagraj police's action sends a clear message against such violations. Combining charges under the Wildlife Act with the Arms and Explosives Acts ensures the accused face serious legal consequences, which could act as a deterrent for others involved in similar illegal hunting activities.
