Chandigarh, 27 December, 2024 (Kulbir Singh Kalsi)
Maharajganj – Following a viral video that captured the horrific incident in which a leopard, a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, was allegedly killed by villagers who strangled the leopard with their bare hands, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India supporter and actor Raveena Tandon sent an urgent letter to the Divisional Forest Officer of Maharganj, Shri Niranjan Surve, IFS urging him to take suitable action.
PETA India had recently worked with Sohagi Barwa Forest Division of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to ensure that a preliminary offence report (POR) was promptly registered, but suitable action is yet to be taken against the specific persons who can be clearly seen in the video.
“Conflicts between humans and wildlife cannot be solved by hurting and killing animals. Town planning must include forest protection, and human encroachment into wild animals’ shrinking habitats must be curbed,” wrote Raveena. “Forest officials must have a protocol to humanely handle wild animals who end up in human villages, and action must be taken against anyone who takes matters into their own hands.”
The incident occurred on 03 December 2024 at Chakdah village, near the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharajganj.
A disturbing viral video shows one individual had the animal in a chokehold. At the same time, another held the animal’s neck, and several others were around them, restraining the leopard by the animal’s legs. Reportedly, during the distressing capture, the leopard lost consciousness and tragically passed away while being transported to a hospital.
The POR was registered against unidentified individuals under sections 9 and 51 of the WPA, 1972, even though faces of persons who would be residing in the village are clearly visible in the viral video.
Section 9 prohibits the hunting of wild animals protected under Schedule I. The offence is non-bailable and punishable under Section 51 with a jail term of at least three years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine of at least ₹25,000.
