Two arrested with 2 kg deer meat in Sundarbans; Poaching network suspected

Two individuals, Uday Sarkar and Sulekha Giri, were arrested in Namkhana, Sundarbans, for possession of two kilograms of deer meat. The duo was caught by forest officials in the Dakshin Chandanpiri area while transporting the meat in black plastic bags. The operation was carried out by the Bhagabatpur Beat Office under the Ramganga Range following information received from a tip-off.

The two kilograms of deer meat seized from the suspects has been sent for forensic testing to confirm its exact origin. The forest department has filed charges against the suspects under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, which governs the protection of endangered species and prohibits the hunting of wildlife in protected areas. According to the forest officials, both suspects admitted to purchasing the deer meat with the intent to consume it.

The arrest follows a prior discovery of several deer traps in the Bhagabatpur area, located near the Patharpratima region in the Sundarbans, in recent weeks. These traps were found by forest workers during a routine inspection but no arrests were made at that time. This discovery raised concerns about ongoing illegal hunting and poaching activities targeting deer for their meat within the Sundarbans, a critical wildlife habitat that is home to several endangered species, including the Royal Bengal tiger and spotted deer.

Forest officials have now launched a broader investigation to uncover the scope of the deer poaching network and identify any other individuals involved. The Sundarbans region has long been a focus of poaching, particularly targeting deer for their meat. The authorities have increased patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas to combat these illegal activities. The seized deer meat has been sent for forensic testing to determine if it is linked to a larger poaching syndicate.

The suspects were brought before the Kakdwip Sub-Divisional Court, where Uday Sarkar was remanded to police custody, and Sulekha Giri was placed in judicial custody. The forest department has stated that further investigations are underway, with a focus on disrupting any illegal wildlife trade networks operating in the region. Additionally, officials are working to ensure stronger conservation measures to protect the biodiversity of the Sundarbans.