Pradeep Padgaonkar
India is a treasure trove of varied flora and fauna. Many species were seeing a rapid decline in numbers. At the turn of the 20th century, India was home to close to 40,000 tigers. But, a census in 1972 showed this number drastically reduced to about 1827.
Wildlife sanctuaries are naturally occurring areas where endangered species are protected from poaching, hunting, and predation. Here, animals are not bred for commercial exploitation. The species are protected from any sort of disturbance. Animals are not allowed to be captured or killed inside the sanctuaries.
A wildlife sanctuary is declared by the State government by a Notification. Human activities such as timber harvesting, collecting minor forest products, and private ownership rights are permitted as long as they do not interfere with the animals’ well-being. Limited human activity is permitted. They are open to the general public. But people are not allowed unescorted. There are restrictions as to who can enter and/or reside within the limits of the sanctuary. Only public servants (and his/her family), persons who own immovable property inside, etc. are allowed. People using the highways which pass through sanctuaries are also allowed inside.
But what do you understand when you come to know that 16 employees of the Kadamba Transport Corporation were arrested by the forest officials on suspicion of poaching? They were released on bond by the Judicial Magistrate First Class Sanguem with directions to report to the Range Forest Officer for a period of five days.
They were charged with carrying injurious substances, causing fire and possession of ammunition for violation of Sections 27, 30, 31 and 32 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The forest officers during the search operation, found live cartridges, an axe, a hatchet, and cooking utensils from the KTCL employees. The 16 accused travelled on four scooters, a private vehicle and entered the forest area through the forest department check-post at Netravali by informing the officials that they were going in for a picnic.
They however failed to return that night making the forest officials suspicious. The forest guards then moved deep inside the sanctuary and on patrolling the area found that the hunting party had lit a fire and were trying to cook. The forest guards then chased the hunting party and apprehended 16 persons. The officers had taken the investigations seriously as one among the group had a past case against him for hunting with explosives. Efforts are still being made to find the other two who escaped as blood stains were found on the spot. They were found using fire and preparing food inside the sanctuary, which is prohibited under the Forest Act and due action will be taken against them for violation of the Act.
The question that arises is how the forest security did not check their vehicles and baggage thoroughly. How the arms did go inside unnoticed? Are the Forest Department staff equally responsible and partners in the crime?
Meanwhile, KTCL Chairman and MLA Ulhas Tuenkar informed that due action will be taken against 16 employees of the Corporation under the Forest Act. His statement that the activity happened on their off day and hence they cannot be questioned by KTC was deplorable. Does Tuenkar mean to say that one can violate the law and commit a serious crime on his off day? Are we going to see a repeat of famous Salman Khan Case? Goa is a small state and everyone is accessible to the other in one way or the other. It is very easy to find relations and friends to escape the law. Is it going to happen this time too?
A ray of hope of justice was seen when Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane issued directives to forest officials concerned to take serious note of the incident and to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. He assured that no one will be spared if they have committed any criminal act. Hope he too doesn’t find some loopholes.
Renowned Film Star Salman Khan was once held under the charge of poaching. The incident happened in 1998 during the shooting of his blockbuster movie ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’. After spending a few days in jail, Salman Khan was granted bail. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, Khan was convicted and was sentenced to jail for five years with a fine of Rs 2,50,000. The sentence was later withdrawn after he spent a week in jail. Oh, Justice!!
