The forest department team raided the house of businessman Hashmat involved in the illegal business of buying and selling birds located in Chidimar Mohalla of Bagahi. Local people surrounded the forest department team under the leadership of Deputy Regional Forest Officer Shiv Prasad. Taking advantage of this, the accused escaped from the spot.
The team has lodged a complaint against him under the Wildlife Protection Act at Babupurwa police station. When the team reached the accused’s house, 72 parrots were found closed in the cage there. This includes 40 chickens of Alexander Parakit species and 26 parrots and six chickens of ringed parakit species. Inspector Babupurwa Arun Kumar Dwivedi said that the accused will be arrested soon. Three cases have already been registered against the accused. According to Divisional Forest Officer Divya, buying, selling and keeping parrots is a crime. There is a provision of three to seven years in jail and a fine of Rs 25,000 if caught. Action is being taken against those involved in the illegal trade of birds.
