Forest officials acted on a tip-off, recovered horns from the accused, all residents of Dharavi; investigation underway; the accused are residents of Dharavi
Sexually mature male deer species grow antlers, which they shed annually before growing new ones. Representational pic/iStock
Acting on a tip-off, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) authorities have arrested three individuals involved in the sale of deer antlers outside the sanctuary. Officials are currently investigating the source from where the antlers were procured.
A forest department official said, “We had received a tip-off that some people were trying to sell deer antlers outside SGNP. Based on the information, we laid a trap and arrested three individuals on April 28. We have recovered the antlers from them, and an offence under several sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 has been registered against the accused.”
The arrested individuals have been identified as Atish Kunchikorve, Rahul Anwar Hussain Shaikh and Harshal Shetye. They were produced before the court, which sent them to forest remand.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, buying, selling or possessing any wildlife body part (trophy), including antlers, is a crime that can lead to fines and imprisonment. The accused are residents of Dharavi.
Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden and President of the NGO RAWW, said, “SGNP is a well-protected and secured area where hunting and poaching are very difficult. However, its periphery includes areas such as Aarey Milk Colony, Bhandup and other suburban regions. These zones allow both people and animals to move in and out of the forest through multiple entry and exit points due to overlapping jurisdiction and encroachments. There’s a high possibility that the antlers were naturally shed and picked up by opportunists looking to make easy money.”
Sexually mature male deer species grow antlers, which they shed annually before growing new ones.
Wildlife conservationist and Director of The Corbett Foundation, Kedar Gore, said, “It’s shocking that the men were caught selling deer antlers outside SGNP. But the illegal wildlife trade is a sad reality. Hopefully, the authorities can trace the source of these antlers and uncover the entire supply chain. More awareness and better surveillance are essential to curb such activities.”
Apr 28
Day the trio was arrested
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