Ujjain: Two persons, including a juvenile, have been arrested for allegedly hunting a peacock in a village in Mandsaur district. The incident came to light when villagers caught the accused red-handed and handed them over to the police before the forest department took them into custody.
Incident Details
The incident took place in Betikhedi village under Nahargarh police station limits. Acting on information from the police, a forest department team reached the spot and recovered a dead peacock along with a slingshot allegedly used in the hunt.
Legal Action
Divisional forest officer (DFO) Sanjay Raikher said that a forest offence case was registered against Prakash Banchhada, 39, a resident of Chhoti Betikhedi village, and a juvenile under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused were produced before a judicial magistrate, who remanded Prakash to Mandsaur district jail and sent the juvenile to a correctional home in Ratlam until June 13. Further investigation in the case is underway.
Protection Status of Peacock
Raikher said the Indian peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and enjoys the highest level of legal protection. Illegal hunting or offences involving the species can attract imprisonment ranging from three to seven years along with a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.
This case highlights the strict enforcement of wildlife laws in the region, aiming to deter such illegal activities. The forest department has urged the public to report any instances of poaching or hunting of protected species.
