Jaipur Police Crack Down on Illegal Pigeon Racing, Arrest Three Suspects
In a significant operation against animal cruelty, the Jaipur city police on Sunday arrested three individuals after rescuing 42 white pigeons that were discovered confined in small cardboard cartons on MI Road. The birds were allegedly being transported for purposes of illegal pigeon racing and fighting, highlighting a disturbing trend of entertainment at the expense of animal welfare.
Details of the Arrest and Rescue Operation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Rajarshi Raj Varma stated that this action is part of an ongoing crackdown by law enforcement agencies targeting illegal pigeon fighting and racing activities in the region. The accused have been identified as Sarfaraz Khan (20), Mohammad Junaid (20), and Mohammad Sonu (22), all residents of Makrana in Nagaur district. During interrogation, the trio reportedly admitted to taking the pigeons to Makrana for entertainment through pigeon racing and fighting.
A police team, led by officers Babu Lal, Jhabar Mal, Mukesh Kumar, and Rajesh, acted on a tip-off received on Saturday. The information indicated that pigeons were being held in cartons outside a travels company on MI Road. Promptly responding, a team from the Vidhayakpuri police station arrived at the location and conducted thorough checks.
Condition of the Birds and Legal Actions Taken
Officers found 42 white pigeons, with 21 birds crammed into each of two cartons, stacked tightly on top of one another. Police reported that the birds were fluttering frantically and exhibited clear signs of stress due to the inhumane conditions. The accused failed to obtain any fitness certificates for transportation and did not use proper containers, violating animal welfare regulations.
A case has been registered under Section 4 of the Rajasthan Preservation of Certain Animals Act, 1950, and Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with case number 61/2026. All the rescued birds were identified as belonging to the Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) species. A veterinary examination revealed that the wing feathers of all pigeons had been cut, rendering them unable to fly, a cruel practice intended to control them for racing and fighting purposes.
Aftermath and Ongoing Efforts
Following coordination with forest department officials, the pigeons were handed over in good condition to the Raksha NGO in Siddharth Nagar, Malviya Nagar, for care and rehabilitation. Deputy Commissioner Varma emphasized the commitment to continue efforts against such rackets, stating, "We directed all police teams to continue to gather information and act against such rackets that organise competitions where birds are kept in a cruel manner." This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and enforcement in protecting animals from exploitation and abuse.
