Concerns over wildlife safety have intensified in Assam's Cachar district after forest officials rescued an injured deer of a rare species from the Bhuban Hills forest belt on Friday. This incident occurred merely a day after the carcass of a leopard cat was discovered in the same area, sparking alarm among local communities and conservationists.
Panic in Villages as Injured Animal Found
The sequence of events began when panic and curiosity gripped villages adjoining the Bhuban Hills. The injured deer was found lying in a vulnerable state inside the Kalakhal forest range, which is part of the Bhuban Hills reserve forest. According to officials, labourers engaged in routine work within the reserve first spotted the animal amid thick bushes and immediately alerted the forest authorities.
Acting swiftly on the information, personnel from the Maniarkhal forest range rushed to the spot. They successfully took custody of the injured deer and transported it to safety. The animal was later shifted to the Maniarkhal forest beat office, where it received preliminary medical treatment to stabilize its condition.
Investigation Launched, Recovery Planned
Forest department sources stated that the exact cause of the deer's injuries is still unknown. A formal probe has been initiated to determine what happened. Officials added that veterinary assistance would be arranged if the animal's condition required it. The current plan is to release the deer back into a suitable forest habitat once it makes a full recovery.
However, the rescue has failed to fully assuage local fears. The incident is viewed with heightened suspicion because it follows the recent and troubling discovery of a leopard cat carcass from the same forest belt. This back-to-back occurrence has raised serious questions about the threats facing local fauna.
Locals Suspect Foul Play, Demand Action
The twin incidents have sparked significant concern among residents of the area. Many locals suspect that human interference or illegal hunting activities might be behind these events. There is a growing demand from the community for a thorough investigation and strict legal action if any foul play is detected.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable wildlife in the region's forest reserves. While the forest department's prompt rescue effort is a positive step, the underlying causes of these incidents remain a pressing issue that authorities are now compelled to address.
