Man Arrested in Champawat for Possessing Leopard Skin, Reveals Poaching Details
A 42-year-old man was apprehended by a joint team of Champawat police and the forest department in Uttarakhand after he was discovered carrying a leopard skin during a routine checking operation. The incident occurred on Friday at Chalthi village in Champawat district, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime in the region.
Tip-Off Leads to Interception and Arrest
Acting on specific intelligence, the authorities launched an inspection in the Chalthi area. During the drive, they intercepted a shared taxi where the accused, identified as Ishwar Ram, a resident of Khatoli village, was traveling. Upon questioning, Ram provided a detailed confession about the origins of the leopard skin.
He revealed that he and his cousin, Chandan Ram, had set up an iron trap in the village forest approximately two years ago with the intention of capturing wild animals. According to his statement, a leopard became ensnared in the trap, after which they killed the animal and preserved its skin. Ram admitted that he was in the process of attempting to sell the skin when he was caught by the officials.
Details of the Seized Leopard Skin
The seized leopard skin measured about 162 centimeters in length, indicating it came from a relatively young animal. Preliminary assessments by forest department officials suggested that the leopard was around two years old at the time of its death. The skin itself is believed to be more than two years old, corroborating the timeline provided by the accused.
Legal Action and Wildlife Protection Measures
Following the arrest, an FIR was registered at the Sukhidang forest range office. The case has been filed under sections 9, 39, 48, and 49 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which pertain to hunting, possession, and trade of protected species. This legal action underscores the stringent measures in place to safeguard endangered wildlife in India.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by leopards and other wildlife due to poaching and illegal trade. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and strict enforcement to prevent such crimes and protect biodiversity.
