Raipur । Acting on the strict directives of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the Forest Department has taken swift and decisive action in the leopard poaching case reported in Kanker district. On December 4, a male leopard was found dead near Devi Nawangav in Narharpur forest range. The leopard’s four legs had been severed, confirming suspicions of illegal poaching and wildlife body-parts trafficking.
Immediately after receiving the information, forest officials reached the site, recovered the carcass from a well and conducted a post-mortem with the help of veterinary experts. A detailed report was prepared, and a forest crime case was registered against unidentified accused, acknowledging the severity of the incident.
Following the directives of Forest Minister Kashyap, continuous efforts were made under the guidance of senior officials — Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jagaldev Mandavi and Conservator of Forests Rajesh Kumar Chandel — to identify and arrest the culprits. The department’s special team achieved a major breakthrough today, December 6, by arresting four accused.
The arrested individuals include:
- Shakhudan (son of Narayan, 51 years)
- Shravan (son of Mahendra, 19 years)
- Chhabilal (son of Budhram, 35 years)
- Budhram (son of Amarsingh, 71 years)
From the possession of the accused, the severed legs of the leopard (including claws) were recovered. Tools used in the poaching — including an axe, rope and wooden equipment — were also seized. The entire case is being presented before the court under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The investigation received crucial assistance from the village Kotwar, Patel and local residents.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap appreciated the team’s prompt action and stated that protection of wildlife is the top priority of the government, and strict action will continue against anyone involved in illegal hunting.