The Katni gang of poachers has struck again in forests of Vidarbha. This time the gang managed to poach two sloth bears and decamped with their paws and bile. The incident took place at Gangazari in Tiroda range of Gondia. The wildlife in Vidarbha is reeling under severe threat. After poisoning of two deers and other animals near Bhandara on Thursday and fears of 20 tigers having poached outside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, poaching of two sloth bears has come as a major blow to the forest department.
“It is a clear case of electrocution. The matter came to light on the morning of May 19 when people came to farms. It seems to be work of local people,” said deputy conservator of forests, Gondia, Mukesh Ganatra. Ruling out involvement of outsiders, Ganatra claimed that all the outsiders were under strict watch. “Whenever, we come across any outsiders moving in the area, they are forced out after taking their details,” Ganatra said. He said that the spot where bodies were found is surrounded by agricultural land. “We are investigating the matter and the offenders would soon be arrested,” he added.
The bodies were found in farm pond in the land owned by one Lalsingh Pusan. Sources said that after the animals died, poachers decamped with all the eight paws and bile. The bears are estimated to be three years old. It is learnt that there is a machan near the spot were the bears were electrocuted. Probably erected to keep a watch on movement of wild animals.
Sources said that the modus operendi strikingly resembles to that of the Katni gang. “The bears must have fallen prey to the huge bear bile trade. Earlier also Katni gang has killed bears at Gothangaon near Navegaon National park,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India. Bear bile has huge demand for its alleged medicinal values in the countries like China, Thailand and Hong Kong. “The trade is anticipated to run in millions of dollars,” Rithe said.
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Meanwhile, following the report about 20 tigers feared poached in non protected area outside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the state government has sought explanation from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Forest department sources said a letter has been sent to the PCCF (WL) seeking immediate explanation. “The letter to this effect was sent on Wednesday and the PCCF (WL) has been asked to send reply immediately,” sources said.
When contacted, additional PCCF (Human Resource Management) SK Sood, who is holding additional charge of PCCF (WL) said confirmed the receipt of letter. “The letter was received yesterday. Since I have taken charge of the office just three days back, the reply will be sent after collecting all the required information,” Sood said.
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