Raipur: Five alleged poachers were arrested in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district after forest officials seized a leopard skin from them during an operation on Thursday. According to the forest department, the accused had trapped the leopard using a snare near a riverbank and later killed it by striking its head with an axe while it was still alive.
The animal, estimated to be around six to seven years old, was then skinned before the accused attempted to sell the hide. The meat was reportedly cooked and consumed by the poachers. Acting on specific intelligence, forest officials posed as potential buyers and laid a trap. The accused—identified as Sundarlal, Dharmu Simrath, Diyalu, Dinesh Kashyap, and Gobru—were apprehended when they arrived to negotiate the deal. The leopard skin was recovered from their possession.
Poaching Method and Motive
Officials revealed that the poachers had targeted the riverbank, anticipating wildlife movement during summer when animals frequently visit water sources. The leopard got caught in the snare set up by the group a few days before the operation. Range officer Pritesh Pandey emphasized that hunting wildlife is a serious offense and strict action will be taken against those involved. "Animals like leopards are crucial for ecological balance and cannot be valued in monetary terms," he said.
Legal Action and Wildlife Conservation
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, which prescribes stringent punishment and fines for poaching of protected species. Wildlife activist Nitin Singhvi explained that poachers target leopards for a mix of profit, demand in illegal markets, and local beliefs. The most common motive is the skin trade, as leopard skins fetch high prices in illegal wildlife trade and are used as decorative items, rugs, or fashion products in some markets. Body parts like bones, claws, whiskers, and canine teeth are trafficked for black magic and occult practices.
The forest department has reiterated its commitment to combating wildlife crime and preserving biodiversity. This operation underscores the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in protecting endangered species.
