Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba

Kadaba, Jan 26: In a serious case of wildlife crime, poachers brutally killed a large wild gaur (Indian bison) on the night of January 24 at Arbitodu, near Otte Kaje in Aithoor village, which falls under the Subrahmanya forest range. Forest officials have registered a case and launched an intensive investigation.

The forest department received confirmed information that the gaur was hunted using a firearm. Acting on the tip-off, forest officials conducted a raid on January 25, while the poachers were in the process of cutting the animal into meat.

Sensing the arrival of officials, the accused fled the scene. During the operation, forest personnel seized approximately 8 quintals of meat. Vehicles used in the poaching activity have also been confiscated. Officials suspect the involvement of five local residents in the crime.

Assistant conservator of forests Prashanth Kumar Pai, Subrahmanya range forest officer Vimal Babu, veterinary officer Dr Yashasvi, along with forest staff, visited the crime scene and conducted a detailed inspection.

A post-mortem examination of the wild gaur was carried out, confirming that the animal had died due to a gunshot wound. “Strict action will be taken against the offenders under the Wildlife Protection Act,” said Vimal Babu, range forest officer, Subrahmanya.