Two Men Arrested in Odisha for Brutal Killing of Protected Langur, Video Circulated on Social Media
Forest officials in Kandhamal district, Odisha, have arrested two individuals for allegedly beating an adult female langur to death and uploading the disturbing incident on social media platforms. The langur is a protected species under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, making this act a serious wildlife crime.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The accused have been identified as Manab Mallick (32) and Jaydev Mallick (21), residents of Salaguda within the Baliguda police station limits in Kandhamal district. They were produced before the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (SDJM) in Baliguda and subsequently sent to judicial custody, as confirmed by Manoranjan Bagh, the assistant conservator of forests (ACF) for Baliguda.
A case has been registered against the duo under various sections of the Wildlife Act at the Baliguda forest range. The investigation was initiated after the range officer verified the viral video on social media and identified the perpetrators. During interrogation, the accused confessed to killing the langur on February 14.
Graphic Nature of the Incident
The video footage reveals a harrowing scene where one of the accused is seen beating the langur to death with a wooden stick. Initially, the man attempted to separate an infant langur from its mother, who was tethered by a rope. He then proceeded to strike the adult langur's head repeatedly with the stick, ultimately causing its death.
Following the killing, the accused captured the infant langur and displayed it to children, later picking up the dead mother's body to show it off. This act of cruelty prompted immediate action from animal welfare organizations.
Role of Animal Welfare Organizations
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) played a crucial role in bringing this incident to light. The organization reported the video to forest officials and urged them to take stringent action against those responsible. Their intervention highlights the importance of public vigilance in combating wildlife crimes.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
Assistant Conservator of Forests Manoranjan Bagh stated that during the inquiry, it was discovered that the infant langur was taken by another monkey after its mother's death. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident. This case underscores the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to prevent such atrocities.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for harming protected species and the role of social media in exposing wildlife crimes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure justice is served.
